A homeless charity has refurbished an abandoned bed and breakfast hotel into a modern nine bedroom home for young adults caught up in the housing crisis.
Those aged between 18 to 25 seeking refuge from abusive partners or sofa surfing from friend to neighbour are among the list of people now welcome into the house acquired by the Shelter Community charity.
The former Hotel in West London had been in “disrepair” before it was renovated and had been neglected for 25 years.
One major donor who contributed to the re-build is StreetSmart, an organisation which raises funds for homeless charities each winter by getting food venues to add a small donation to bills.
StreetSmart donated £70,000 towards the accommodation taking funds from the £760,000 raised from its 2019 campaign.
The proceeds helped transform the hotel adding new additions including central heating, a large community room, a kitchen on the ground floor and a study and office space.
Stephan Wiedmer, founder of the charity, told the Standard: “The impact of the lockdowns and Covid19 has showed in a new way how important a home is for all of us and that sadly many young adults in London struggle to find a safe place to call home.
“We are excited that we can open a home for young adults in housing need just before Christmas and are deeply grateful for the support of SteetSmart, LandAid and other charities that have helped to transform a derelict building into a home.”
One young woman previously helped by Shelter Community is Layla, 20, who left her family home due to challenges and ended up in a hostel where she was severely bullied and forced to leave.
Finding a home through Shelter Community was a “miracle,” she said.
StreetSmart director Glenn Pougnet, said: “We were keen to help refurbish the new Shelter Community Home which offers the young people living there so much more than just a roof over their heads. It’s providing a real sense of togetherness, a real community, a real home.”
