I am very grateful to you for the opportunity to say a few words of thanks to all of you who have made it possible for me to see the work you do so well here today.

As patron of both English Churches Housing and the Church Housing Trust, I am delighted to commend the work being done here. I am also grateful for the funding being provided by the Government. It is a useful and productive partnership and I hope it will continue to develop and evolve.

For me a visit like this is an opportunity to listen and learn. Today is no exception. I have been impressed by the quality of the basic provision: warmth, food shelter. It echoes the Christian imperative: "Love thy neighbour."

This kind of assistance can be a stepping stone to a new start.

Homelessness does not generally happen by chance. Often it is the culmination of problems.

Getting people off the streets doesn't solve those problems - but it may provide an opportunity to start tackling them. The approach and the facilities here are geared to that vision.

That too is part of the Christian message, a message of hope and redemption. It is one that has special resonance at this time of year.

Thank you for all you do to give that message life in the lives of others.

Notes to Editors

The Archbishop this morning visited the new Tavistock House Cold Weather Shelter in Bedford Place, London. The 60-bed Shelter is run by the English Churches Housing Group.

The Archbishop met the residents before formally opening the Shelter and switching on the Christmas tree lights. The Archbishop is Patron of the English Churches Housing Group.