We are opening an evening Drop In Center in Shepherds Bush which will focus primarily on EU and Eastern European citizens who are not eligible for basic benefits. We will provide immediate care and essentials: hot meals, clothing and hygiene kits. Additionally we have a volunteer solicitor who will provide legal assistance in regards to documentation, job training and housing and classes in English.
Day Centres and community-based support programs for the homeless and vulnerable primarily operate during the day. This leaves a gap in delivery of services for this particular group during the evening hours especially rough sleepers and hidden homeless. Research indicates that there are approximately 150,000 people under the category of hidden homelessness in London alone.
This project will enable Streetlytes to engage the homeless and vulnerable and to befriend, mentor, inspire and encourage EU and Eastern European citizens who fall below the benefit level. Our current development plan is to open and operate our fourth Evening-In Drop In Centre one day per week in Hammersmith and Fulham. This will provide English classes and legal support and give them a sense of belonging. With the opening of our fourth drop in-we will be able to assist 650 homeless people.
This project will provide support to 650 homeless people and access to advice services. In the long term this will provide them with opportunities to find housing, training and english classes. All of these things will enable them to find employment and build a more secure future.
