Abbey House Opens to Bring Hope and Support to Leeds’ Homeless and Vulnerable
By Freya Webber
In a heartfelt ceremony on November 29th, Lord Mayor Abigail Marshall Katung officially unveiled Abbey House, a life-changing support centre created by Becky and Shelley Joyce in memory of Abbey Joyce, Becky’s late sister. The centre, named to honour Abbey’s compassionate spirit, is now a vital lifeline for homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds.
The grand opening event celebrated resilience, hope, and community spirit, underscoring the powerful work of the sisters’ charity, Homeless Street Angels, which has been providing outreach services for years. Their personal struggles and deep empathy for others inspired them to create a safe space where those in need could find support, dignity, and a second chance at life.
A Community-Driven Dream
The journey to open Abbey House was nothing short of extraordinary. Becky and Shelley undertook bold fundraising efforts, including skydiving, swimming with sharks, wing walking, riding the world’s longest zipline, and even releasing a Christmas single with G4 and Clare Brooke. Their determination attracted support from local residents, businesses, and high-profile supporters.
During the Open Day, Lord Mayor Abigail Marshall Katung toured the facility, expressing her admiration for the project and the tireless efforts behind it. In a symbolic and touching gesture, she handed out owl badges—representing wisdom, resilience, and hope—to children, volunteers, and even members of the homeless community who regularly attend Homeless Street Angels’ outreach sessions every Thursday.
Local schools joined the festivities, connecting with outreach participants while enjoying refreshments in a welcoming environment. Christa Ackroyd, a passionate supporter of the charity, highlighted how Yorkshire’s strong community spirit played a crucial role in making Abbey House a reality.
Support That Transforms Lives
Abbey House now offers a wide range of essential services aimed at empowering the city’s most vulnerable, including:
- Food banks
- Mental health support
- Housing assistance
- Community activities
These services are entirely free, ensuring that anyone in need can access help without barriers. The centre has already become a beacon of hope, providing safety and a sense of belonging.
Reflecting on the project’s success, Becky Joyce shared, “This will save lives.” Shelley added, “After 70 days of nonstop effort, we can finally breathe and realize we’ve achieved something truly life-changing.”
As the holiday season approaches, Abbey House stands as a shining symbol of compassion and community power—a place where no one is forgotten and hope is always within reach.
For more details or to support Abbey House, email homelessstreetangels@outlook.com.