�We do this job because we are passionate about it and for no other reason�. That is the quotation with which CARIS Haringey, one of the charities supported by this church, begins its annual report for 2008-2009.
Such passion and commitment is greatly needed in a borough such as Haringey, one of the most deprived in this country. It has nearly 5,000 homeless households, more than 5% of its residents, and there are fears that this number will rise with the increase in unemployment in the borough, affecting people�s incomes, debt and possible mortgage repossessions. The desire for affordable or social housing far outweighs its supply. CARIS works in partnership with Haringey Housing officers with the objective of finding solutions for the difficulties faced by homeless families as well as providing services on the ground. These include outreach and advice services; drop-in and family support; a mobile toy library; ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) classes; a summer play scheme and Christmas parties. All these I have described in previous years� reports.
Last year I wrote that CARIS Haringey celebrated its tenth anniversary as a separate registered charity and that this was no mean achievement when small voluntary organisations struggle to raise money to offer vital services to their community. This year that achievement has been recognised in a big way, but one which will result in a further major challenge. CARIS Haringey was featured in Channel 4’s documentary series �The Secret Millionaire�, in which wealthy benefactors seek to change the lives of others for the better. Kevin Morley, former managing director of Rover, was the �volunteer�. He agreed to live in a bedsit in Tottenham and worked as a volunteer among community projects in Haringey. At CARIS he saw the variety of services which it provided for homeless families. He was appalled to find that 5,000 people lived in temporary accommodation in the borough, sometimes in damp, overcrowded and flea infested conditions. He said: �I had no idea families lived in these conditions and the daily challenges they face�.
He was so impressed by his experience of CARIS work that he donated �150,000 to CARIS, to be used as a deposit for the purchase of a permanent building, compliant with Houses in Multiple Occupation registration, to house and support homeless families who want to change their lives. Speaking briefly to CARIS� AGM in December, Kevin Morley said that it had been an amazing experience for him. He gave an example of a mother told she could sleep on a park bench while her children were taken into care and said CARIS need a home where such people can be kept together while other arrangements are sorted out.
The project is known within CARIS as Project Starfish, after the tale, which some may have read elsewhere, of a boy standing on a beach surrounded by thousands of stranded starfish. As he was throwing them back into the sea one by one, he was told that there were so many he could not save them. Throwing another back into the sea he replied �Well, I�ve saved that one�. It will be a big challenge for CARIS, in addition to all their ongoing work. The deposit of �150,000 is just the start. CARIS trustees and staff will develop a business plan which sets out clear objectives for the project. The plan will identify existing and new partnerships, funding streams from organisations such as Future Builders to purchase a property and for the procurement of contracts for future services to be delivered.
Another highlight of the year 2008-2009 occurred in December, 2008, when the Archbishop of Canterbury visited East Haringey Deanery and came to St. Ann�s Church and CARIS. He commented that it was good to see social action within the community and the variety of work taking place at St. Ann�s Church and CARIS. Celebrating the spirit of community, in the midst of many challenges remaining steadfast; to meet people and families at the point of their need.
Income for the year held up reasonably well, although there was a reduction of nearly �10,000 in unrestricted funds. The Trustees would like these to be raised but they are not so low as to be a concern at present.
I am putting three copies of the Annual Report at the back of the church. It is worth a look.