|PIC1|The UK’s largest centre dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless women, the Marylebone Project, celebrated its 10th anniversary last week with thanks to God.

More than 150 guests gathered at the London centre to celebrate the occasion together with Pam Rhodes, broadcaster for BBC’s Songs of Praise and Premier Christian Radio’s Hearts and Hymns, and Councillor Alexander Nicholl, Lord Mayor of Westminster.

Resident Melva Grace, interviewed by Rhodes, thanked God for the work of Church Army in supporting the project that had given her a new life after being rescued from the despair of the streets, reports Assist News.

“I really thank God for Church Army, their work has turned my life around and given me new hope as I move toward fully independent living,” she said. “I never thought I would be able to stand here and share this with you all but I have got new confidence and hope from this project.”

|TOP|Meanwhile, the Mayor praised Church Army for its wonderful work with the project and launched the project's new website www.maryleboneproject.org.uk which provides an overview of the project's services.

The Marylebone Project serves and supports the most marginalised and vulnerable women by providing services free of charge based on a Christian ethos of love and care.

Funding for the project comes entirely through donations from churches, individuals and trusts.

Lydia Gladwin, chair of the Portman House Trust, said, “We are delighted to celebrate our tenth anniversary with you but still need £160,000 each year to help maintain the vital work of our day centre”.

|AD|She added, “Please continue to pray for and financially support this unique work that means so much to the lives of hundreds of women who would otherwise be spending their days on the streets of our city.”

Church Army has run the two-hostel project in partnership with the Portman House Trust since it was opened in 1996 by HRH Princess Margaret.

The project accommodates 112 women and also supports around 45 per cent of the women in the day centre with educational training through a partnership with the Westminster Adult Education service.

Its aim is to enable homeless women to return to independent living through a host of free services including residential units, an emergency bed unit, a mental health unit and a day centre unit to assist homeless women in their transition to independent accommodation.