Who Volunteers ?

Our volunteers come in many different shapes and sizes. They are of all ages (from 18 onwards if helping in the cafe itself) and backgrounds and from a host of countries around the world. Some are students, some in Oxford on courses for a couple of months, some are retired or unemployed, some have full-time jobs in a wide variety of fields. Many live in the city, at least in term time, but a number come in from further afield. Although our origins and support grew from the Christian community in Oxford we are quite clear that anyone of whatever belief is welcome to be part of the Gatehouse, and many who work and volunteer here belong to other faiths or none.

Back in September 2008, Andrew commented on this in our monthly newsletter:

"On a random evening last month a group of about 16 stood around being briefed before the session. As they each introduced themselves in a variety of different accents I said 'Take a look at yourselves!' We had team members from Sri Lanka, Spain, Greece, the USA and Krygistan, with a sprinkling from Halifax, Reading, Bristol and the Isle of Wight. There were even a couple of us from Oxford. Not a stereotype among us. It was a wonderful demonstration of our diversity - all coming together to serve the homeless."