'I'll fight' for housing

Over 100 Salvationists in three London boroughs took to the streets on Saturday to raise their voices about homelessness and the lack of genuinely and permanently affordable housing. In three simultaneous actions, organised with Citizens UK, Salvation Army members took a prominent role in engaging directly with local politicians.


Cllr Neil Coyle signs commitment under watchful eye of Ct Sam Tomlin

In Southwark members of Camberwell Corps and cadets from William Booth College marched with banners to the iconic Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre where they secured support and commitments for work on housing issues from parliamentary candidate and Councillor Neil Coyle.

In Tower Hamlets Henry Coke, a Junior Soldier from Stepney Corps, spoke directly to Councillor Rabina Khan (Cabinet Member for Housing and Development) saying: ‘Everybody should have housing that is safe and secure, not just the wealthy.’ In response the Councillor committed to developing a new Community Land Trust in Mile End, which ensures genuinely affordable housing for local people.

Junior Soldier Henry Coke

In Redbridge 70 people from Ilford Corps, including volunteers and guests from their nightshelter, spoke directly with passers-by about housing issues. Lieutenant John Clifton addressed the large crowd and secured a commitment from Deputy Leader Wes Streeting to address the problem of homelessness and accessibility to affordable housing in the borough.

Ilford Town Centre

Far from a one-off campaign, all Salvation Army participants vowed to continue the fight for social justice in their neighbourhoods and working with politicians of all parties in the lead up to the General Election and beyond.

Further info:

All three corps and William Booth College are members of the community organising alliance, Citizens UK, working with a diverse range of institutions across the UK on issues such as low wages, unemployment, street safety, debt and housing. For anyone interested getting involved where they are please contact Lieutenant John Clifton (john.clifton@salvationarmy.org.uk), Major Janet Martin (janet.martin@salvationarmy.org.uk) or Captain Nick Coke (nick.coke@salvationarmy.org.uk) for further information.