In medieval times, the sanctuary given by churches was physical as well as spiritual. Today, thanks to a local charity, a national charity and the business community, a chapel in South Wales is once again a place of refuge for the lonely and the dispossessed.

A voluntary body, Newport Action for the Single Homeless, had been offered a small disused chapel to convert into a night shelter for rough sleepers in the area. The problem was how to finance and manage the conversion. Enter CRASH.

CRASH is the construction and property industries' charity for homeless people. It draws on the industries' resources - materials, skills, labour - to give voluntary groups practical assistance with building projects.

Once aware of the situation in Newport, CRASH approached one of its major supporters, Wimpey Homes, for help. Wimpey Homes, South Wales Region, responded magnificently, not only donating building materials at cost, but also appointing one of their own staff to manage the whole project. Other supporters of this project were Baxi Group and Marley Flooring.

The result?

A fully operational night shelter complete with six beds, a kitchen, showers, toilets and a lounge room, which has been in continuous use since its official opening on 15th March 2002.

Supporting CRASH really does make a difference.

To find out how you can help by contributing time, materials, skills or money, please contact us on: telephone: 020 8742 0717; fax: 020 8747 3154; e-mail: crash@crash.org.uk; web: www.crash.org.uk.