Croydon Citadel homelessness work recognised by royalty

Croydon Salvation Army’s work to support people who are homeless was recently recognised by royalty.

Community Services Director at Croydon Citadel, Chris Waldock was invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace after the Salvation Army’s work to support people who are homeless in the area won an award at the London Faith and Belief Community Awards at the end of last year. 

The Salvation Army’s ‘The Well Homeless Project’, which won in the Health and Wellbeing category, has been running for 14 years and supports people who have been living on the street or who are in precarious accommodation. It provides a full catering service as well as clothing, sleeping bags and postal services. Local community partners enable The Well to offer help with physical and mental health, accommodation, employment, access to public funds and benefits.

Chris was accompanied at the garden party by his wife, Rebecca, who is Community Mission Facilitator at Penge Salvation Army. 

He said: “It was a privilege to attend the Royal Garden Party on behalf of Croydon Citadel. The weather and food were great! 

“The award we received last November was in recognition of the good work undertaken by staff and volunteers, past and present, who have been involved with ‘The Well’ programme for the last 14 years. It was an honour to have this work to support people in need also acknowledged by The Royal Family.”

Croydon Salvation Army welcome donations of tinned food and long-life milk for the foodbank at Croydon Citadel. People are welcome to drop off donations from Tuesday to Thursday between 8am and 4pm at Croydon Citadel, Booth Road, Lower Church Street, Croydon CR0 1XY. Alternatively, people can donate to the work of The Salvation Army in Croydon at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tsa-community-support-000459