Homerton Space celebrating 25 years

Homerton Space celebrating 25 years

Chapter 1’s Homerton Space project celebrated its 25^th anniversary. The project accommodates and supports 11 young homeless people aged 16 to 18. They welcomed their first resident in 1986. Since then around 250 have benefited.

 The project was conceived in the early 1980s. The Hackney Marsh Team Ministry was concerned by the number of young people who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness in Homerton. The rectory in Chelmer Road was vacant, and it was agreed that Newlon Housing would buy the building, but the project would be managed by volunteers. 

 John Pearce was the parish priest at the time. He said: ‘When we dreamed of the project all that time ago, we never envisaged it being so long-lived and successful. At the time teenagers were thought to be cared for at home, and it was not understood that this is sometimes not possible. So we were ahead of our time. It is thrilling to know that this work continues, and that the original vision has not been lost.’

 Twenty years later, when it was no longer feasible to keep operating independently, the management committee approached Chapter 1, whom they felt had a similar ethos to their own. Chapter 1 took over the running of Homerton Space in 2005 and project director, Lilieth Martin, became their employee. She has been running the project now for more than 20 years.

 The project has always offered more than just a place to live. It offers a safe and welcoming environment and a family atmosphere.  The residents are encouraged to continue their education or work towards finding employment. They also learn the life skills they need to live independently, such as managing money, healthy eating, and being a good neighbour. Even when they move-on, they know they can always get in touch if they need a helping hand.

 Many former residents were attending the anniversary celebration. One of these is Wunmi who is now 23 and studying bio-medical science at university. She lived at Homerton Space  as a teenager, after relationships with her family broke down.

 She  said: ‘If I’d been in another hostel, I wouldn’t have got my life in order. At Chapter 1 they keep an eye on you so they know who you are bringing in. You couldn’t just wander off and get into trouble. Lilieth was like another mum. Homerton Space prepared us for the outside world.’

 Chapter 1 has  continued the work the volunteers began. Chief Executive, Geoff Hawkins, explained: ‘Homerton Space Project provides a vital service to the young people of Hackney. It is very successful in creating a better future for its residents, helping them to achieve their potential. I am delighted that so many have gone on to college, university and employment after setbacks which could have sent them off the rails. Many former residents will be joining us in the wonderful celebrations of all the good work that Homerton Space Project has done since it opened in 1986.’

 Homerton Space celebrated its anniversary in style. On 21 July performance poet Zena Edwards was reading a poem to the enjoyment of the audience, and award-winning graffiti artist Aerosol Arabic created a mural on a wall symbolising hope and encouraged the residents to add their handprints to a corner of the wall.

 Chapter 1’s Homerton Space Project has financial support from Hackney Council through the Supporting People Programme and from rent paid through Housing Benefit. They are also very grateful for the many generous donations and small grants they receive. Every penny goes towards their work with local young people.

 Chapter 1provides accommodation and related support services to help vulnerable people enjoy a more fulfilled life.  It is a charity, based on Christian principles, which offers human compassion and practical support to meet people’s needs respecting their faith, culture and social background.  Currently Chapter 1 works in partnership with 29 local authorities and has a growing network of 40 projects across England.