Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari MBE, Chairman of London’s oldest mosque and renowned community activist, has become a Patron of Anchor House, the award-winning charity caring for the homeless in London.

Officially accepting an invitation to become a Patron, Dr Abdul Bari joins Anchor House at a pivotal time in its history. The residential and life skills centre for homeless adults is about to launch a £9.6m appeal to fund urgently-needed refurbishment and updated facilities.

Dr Abdul Bari speaking about the patronage said: “I am honoured to lend my name to Anchor House. I look forward to devoting some of my time to assisting the forthcoming appeal during the coming years.

“I also hope I will be able to raise awareness of homelessness within our communities. This is a very important issue for us all to address and we need to work towards providing care, support and stability for the most vulnerable in our communities – irrespective of creed, colour or gender – in these times of instability and economic hardship.”

Under the leadership of Keith Fernett, who currently serves as managing director, Anchor House has won numerous national awards. Mr. Fernett said that he was “delighted that Dr. Bari has accepted our invitation to become a Patron of the Anchor House ‘Home and Hope Appeal’.

“We welcome Dr. Bari as a community leader,” he said. “Someone who shares our concerns about the homeless, as well as our faith-based ethos that we have a duty to look after those who are vulnerable and in need. Anchor House is a Catholic charity, but we serve the whole community. Many of our residents, volunteers and colleagues come from Muslim countries, and belong to the Muslim faith. Dr. Bari’s support, and his presence on our Panel of Patrons, sends a clear signal to them – and to the wider community – that Anchor House is an organisation which is responsive to all who need our help. We are privileged to have Dr. Bari with us.”

Historically a hostel for seafarers visiting the ports of East London, Anchor House today provides support to over 200 homeless and workless people each year, helping them move on to employment and independent living. The local London borough of Newham has the highest single rate of homelessness in the United Kingdom and the second highest unemployment rate in London (it is the sixth most deprived borough in England). The charity provides a place of shelter for homeless and vulnerable people, with the opportunity to improve their lives through life skills training and empowerment in a caring, stable and supportive environment.

As Anchor House continues work to break the cycle of homelessness and its root causes, the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre will be championing its campaigns to raise awareness of homelessness and related issues within the Muslim communities of London.

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