Maria Skobtsova House, a beacon of hospitality and care in the squalid and frequently violent conditions which refugees and migrants endure in Calais, is a Christian community which provides safe shelter and practical support to some of the youngest and most vulnerable refugees in Calais, enabling them to rest and recover from their traumatic experiences in body, mind and spirit. But many others sleeping rough are also urgently in need of the pastoral support and spiritual care which Maria Skobtsova House uniquely offers.

The Prayer Bus project evolved in response to the need for a mobile space which can be driven to where refugees are sleeping, to provide a small but safe place where they can tell their stories, receive support and, if needed, pray. For many refugees and migrants, religious faith is a very important source of strength and resilience which is not something every organization understands.

This project aims to purchase a good quality second-hand minibus and adapt it to provide a multi-functional vehicle. Seats at the front will enable it to be used for transport to and from the community house, refugee sites and medical facilities. Rear seats will be removed to create a safe, comfortable and private space where conversations can take place and pastoral support given. Uniquely, religious furnishings such as icons, cross, and stained glass will support prayer and worship.

PLEASE HELP US achieve our goal of raising £10,000 to provide a Prayer Bus for Maria Skobtsova House.