Community, Shelter, and Wi-Fi at the Vineyard of Comfort

When you walk into the Vineyard of Comfort Church in East London - which is also a homelessness shelter -  you’ll likely see people chatting away on their phones. They are using the Jangala Get Box, placed on the altar where everyone has access, to call home. 

Reverend James, the church pastor, put the Get Box there because he knows that for people who’ve just moved to the UK, being able to call home is so important. Many people in the local area have moved here from Romania, Morocco, Ethiopia, and other places, and they need internet access to speak with their family. 

He’s also given out 15 Get Boxes to church visitors to take back to where they are staying. Many church visitors are living in hostels, shelters and temporary spaces, which means they don’t have good access to the internet or they can’t afford it. 

Sometimes, local people receive a Get Box with a donated tablet, so that children can do their homework, adults can apply for work, access immigration support and call their family. In the future, when they move to a different shelter or accommodation, they can take the Get Box with them. 

One of the church goers is a 72-year old man, who is often at home alone without internet. His partner works long hours, often coming home very late and he was struggling with loneliness. Now he has a Get Box, he can go to online prayer groups, Bible study meetings and connect with people online. “He was so excited. He kept calling me every day, to say thank you.” - Rev. James.

Vineyard of Comfort holds an important role in the local community. People go there to access employment support, access warm spaces, combat loneliness and use after school services. For them, internet access is critical:

“I don’t know how your company makes the money, but however you are making it, God bless you. It’s very important, for especially these vulnerable people that cannot afford it.” Rev. James