Tributes have been pouring in for a Bracknell hero who has been given a special award by the king for her work for homeless people.
Elaine Chalmers-Brown and her husband David started the charity Pilgrim Hearts 26 years ago to help homeless people in Berkshire. Now Elaine has been named an MBE in the King’s birthday honours list.
Through their charity, they run a drop-in centre at St Andrews Church in Priestwood near the ‘Admiral Cunningham’ pub and another at the Methodist Church on Shepherd’s Lane near the Prince of Wales.
She said: “We want to give people a hand up, not a hand out. Whilst we are a faith organisation, everyone is welcome at Pilgrim Hearts and we work with all denominations and none.
“We work with people who have financial problems and those just going through a difficult time.”
Pilgrim Hearts reaches out to people across the political divide and is also involved in National Homeless Link which works with 900 homeless organisations across the country.
Elaine has strong links with the movers and shakers across Bracknell Forest, including cllr Paul Bidwell, MP Peter Swallow and former mayor Janet Cochrane who made Pilgrim Hearts one of her charities to raise money for as mayor in 2025/6.
Elaine said: “We work really well with councils and other organisations. Paul is the first one who got us a grant from Bracknell Town Council and Peter mentioned us in parliament.”
Cllr Paul Bidwell said: “I first met Elaine and David nearly twelve years ago following my election as Priestwood Town Councillor, meeting them both at the local church drop in.
“As CEO of Pilgrim Hearts Elaine provided for many years the only real support for the homeless of Bracknell Forest and her recognition in this year’s honours is hugely deserved.
“The great work that Elaine has led includes working with many agencies across Berkshire as well as constantly lobbying the government.
“Without Elaine’s hard work I very much doubt that Bracknell Forest’s rough sleeping team would ever have been created.
“Elaine is a kind and compassionate individual that is a real asset to the borough. Huge congratulations.”
Peter Swallow MP said: “Huge congratulations to Elaine. This honour is an overdue recognition of her years of steadfast support for those experiencing street homelessness in Bracknell Forest.
“I have had the great privilege of seeing Elaine’s work up close as well as being on the receiving end of her advocacy for our most vulnerable local people. Without her, people across our community would be living less well, and less securely.
“Thank you Elaine for everything you do!”
It’s not only rough sleepers who are welcome at the drop in. Elaine said: “People who are sofa-surfing are not counted as homeless but they still have serious problems.”
So volunteers come to the drop-ins like barbers and podiatrists, who can really help people stay on top of things.
She said: “Corporate sponsorship can really help. One company helped us with shoes, and recently Waitrose gave us three months of their green tokens.
“We want to get people working – not relying on handouts – we want to give them a hand up.
“It wouldn’t have happened without the help and support of my husband, David.”
Mrs Chalmers-Brown is an active member of Warfield Church and the Associate Vicar, Ruth Donegan-Cross, said: “For many years, Elaine has shared the love of Jesus with people facing homelessness through her practical help as well as her compassion.
“Everyone at Warfield Church is delighted that her work with Pilgrim Hearts is being recognised as she receives an M.B.E.”
The St Andrews drop-in is at St Andrew’s Church, Priestwood Court Road, Priestwood, Bracknell RG42 1TU. Open every Tuesday from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm.
There is another drop-in open open on Thursdays between 11am and 2pm at the Methodist Church, Shepherds Lane, Priestwood, Bracknell, RG42 2BU
