THIS IS the symbol of the Manna Society.
It represents a small Christian fellowship group set up in 1982 to try and serve the needs of single homeless people in the London Bridge area. This service is carried out through a Day-Centre. Between 100 and 150 people visit the centre daily. Tea, soup and bread are provided. Medical, washing and clothing facilities are also available. However most important of all is the atmosphere of peace and friendship which the centre promotes.
Each person entering the Centre is taken as they are with their own unique individual gifts, stories and problems.
Being exposed daily to the terrible conditions of the homeless, the Society has always been aware of the need to grow from just day-facilities to
of fering some
accommodation which provides a caring and homely Plans to establish such accommodation are now well advanced.
The Manna Society is a Christian response to the scandal of homelessness. It is maintained mainly by individual donations and its offices are run on a very tight budget indeed.
There is a tradition of prayer before the opening of the Centre each morning. The work originated in faith and will grow in faith.
A new development is the night time tea run made possible by various church groups preparing the food and tea for the homeless. Each night a different tea-run group goes to a railway arch near the Centre to meet the large number of people in need.
The centre urgently needs more warm overcoats, caps, gloves, scarves, shoes, socks, trousers and shirts. Further details from Dr Raymond Towey, Chairman, The Manna Society, 6 Melior Street, London SEI. Telephone 01-403-1931.