SERVICES | Churches Action for the Homeless

CATH is a local charity supporting those who are homeless or under threat of homelessness in Perth.

Nearly 30 years ago during the severe winter of 1991 a number of church parishioners, led by 4 strong willed women became concerned about the plight of people sleeping rough in Perth. Their concern and compassion lead to the formation of CATH with the introduction of a soup kitchen run by volunteers, which included the original 4 ladies who are referred to as the “Founding Mothers of CATH”. The soup kitchen started in St Mathews Church and subsequently in a number of different locations until the Day Centre opened its doors on the Ladeside in 1995 with CATH's first paid member of staff providing a more comprehensive range of support.

Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) continues to be a local charity which supports, encourages and promotes the development and delivery of services to alleviate and prevent homelessness and address the issue of poor housing. Like the four Founding Mothers before, CATH seeks to work with others to improve the circumstances faced by people challenged by homelessness in all its forms in the Perth & Kinross Council area.

The organisation has grown but the core values that led to its creation still drive CATH today. Recognising the associated problems that frequently accompany homelessness CATH work to alleviate those issues and help maintain and improve the quality of life of the individuals CATH support. CATH help significant numbers of people each year to overcome homelessness and related issues through projects which include a drop-in Day Centre, Tayview House, Floating Support, Outreach Team , Literacy Project and a Charity Shop.

Get Involved

Homelessness remains an issue and even with the impact of Covid-19 no-one really knows the extent of the problem, in what remains a largely rural area. Equally the full effect of the pandemic remains unclear. We are experiencing unsettled times with worrying potential consequences for jobs, increasing debt, poverty and homelessness. Every bit of support that you can offer is gratefully received and will be put to good use.

Perhaps you could spare a few hours each week to volunteer in one of CATH's projects? You may have some items that they could make use of in their projects or charity shop? Maybe you’d like to become a member and have your say in the future of CATH?

If you're interested in getting involved with CATH, click here to contact them and find more details.

This information was provided by Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH). For more information, contact the charity directly on 01738 580188 or visit them at 188-190 High Street, Perth, PH1 5PA. Heartland FM is not responsible for external websites.