Genesis Trust
More than 2,500 people are currently being helped by this Bath Christian charity founded in 1990....Find out about those people, the life-changing projects and the work Genesis do in the city.
If you are or have been homeless, have mental health issues, are unemployed, or have substance abuse problems - the chances are you will have experienced a helping hand from Genesis. Bath although considered an affluent city has pockets of real deprivation such as Fox Hill, Twerton and Whiteway and has a real shortage of low cost housing.
The statistics make for a sobering picture of need in the city -
- 60% of clients have drug/alcohol related issues
- 50% have mental health issues, 40% are ex services
- about 60% are homeless or vulnerably housed
- about 30% are ex offenders.
The brainchild of a Bath businessman - who felt moved by God to help the vulnerable in the city - the charity directly outworks the love of God practically into the most deprived areas of society. It currently runs more than 8 projects aimed at helping clients move from a homeless/dependent way of life to increased independence and fulfillment.
Manned by 550 volunteers people like Tom (no surname supplied) are being helped; "Three months ago I was homeless; jobless had threats against my life and no money.
The support you have given me at Genesis has helped to motivate me and regain my energy and self esteem. The trips you organise to the city farm have done me no end of good making new friends and contacts. The computer course has given me the opportunity to engage with modern developments that I lack and hinder my life progress. The whole social side has prevented me from being isolated and alienated. After three months I feel I am equipped to restart a normal useful life putting into society not taking out”
Genesis Projects:
The Soup Run
Open seven days a week 365 days a year at the Old Cattle Market in Walcot Street from 7pm, this delivers free coffee, soup and sandwiches to 35 people a night.
Genesis Lunch Box
Provides low cost food; (Genesis Vouchers can be used) at St Michaels, Broad Street, on a Monday and Wednesday from 12.30pm - 1.30pm.
The Sunday Center
Low cost Sunday lunches from 1 - 5pm at Nexus Methodist Church (open every Sunday of the year!) A warm, friendly environment with Sunday papers and games are available. Run by a rota of church teams.
Helpers
A joint initiative between Genesis and Bath Churches - this project offers practical help to those in need in the local community with tasks such as gardening, shopping and decorating. This is run in the Newbridge/Weston areas.
Life Skills
Offers outings, trips, computer training, art sessions, and one to one sessions to help people find a suitable job, work placement or college course.
Lifeline Centre
Read about the LIfeline Centre here
Street Pastors
Read about the reality of being a Street Pastor here
The Wood Works
The Furniture Project
Read about this creative project here
Genesis Vouchers cost 50p each and can be given out to the homeless and those in need within Bath. They can then be exchanged for a hot meal or part payment for accommodation at Julian House night Shelter.
Genesis Trust is one of three organisations working with the homeless in Bath; Julian House and the Drugs and Homelessness initiative. Running additional services and activities to those ordinarily available, it is a community based charity made possible because of its strong church connections and we strong Christian ethos. Its key ethos is to do something practical and churches working together.