Open House is a weekly community project run entirely by volunteers from the local area, for the benefit of people who are homeless, on limited income or have other pressing problems.

Every Thursday morning we provide free food in a worm and comfortable environment. We welcome anyone who feels the need of our support. No one is turned away. In the last few years we have established good relationships with our guests, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Open House is a well accepted project, linking with the local authority, charitable organisations and other services, to provide a pathway and guidance to all the help available.

The project opened in November 2011 at St Mary's Parish Centre. Volunteers offer a listening ear and endeavour to address the needs of every guest who needs support.

There is no form to fill in or registration to sign. We do not make judgements, we never ask questions or make demands, except that fellow guests and volunteers are treated with respect.

This is the largest scheme of its kind in Sunderland. We welcome up to fifty guests each week. We have served many thousands of meals and given away countless emergency food parcels over the years.

We are supported financially by Our Lady of Mercy  Parish, which provides us with the use of the hall and utilities. We have a dedicated team of volunteers without whom the project could not continue. They cheerfully give their time, expertise and energy each week.

In order to maintain this service we also rely on the support of local businesses and always receive gratefully donations of money and food.