An unbiased soup kitchen began by a sufferer of knife crime is wanting to expand into south west London following success in Aldgate and Tottenham.
Vincent and Victoria Barnett, 47 and 41, from Islington, began Our Forgotten Neighbours final yr after seeing rising homelessness round them.
Vincent was a sufferer of knife crime in his youth and spent his 18th birthday in jail, nonetheless, he turned his life round and now employs greater than 100 folks at his charity From Rehab to Life Foundation.
The homelessness service, which they hope to expand into south west London, has music and desk tennis, making a pleasant ambiance that’s designed to assist the psychological well being of customers.
Victoria mentioned: “It’s far more pleasant, far more approachable, we like to get everybody concerned.
“It’s gone from power to power.”
Seeing the additional problem introduced by the pandemic the couple felt compelled to make a distinction, beginning the charity from their very own pocket.
“This is all simply uncooked from us,” she mentioned.
Vincent remarked on how simple it was to “fall on onerous instances”, saying that he had walked previous mates of his he by no means thought would turn into homeless.
He mentioned: “They have mentioned my actual identify, and not many individuals know my full identify.
“You wouldn’t think about that he’d be homeless as a result of he had a household construction.
“So with me from humble beginnings, it may occur to anyone.”
Currently they haven’t acquired any grants and as a substitute depend on volunteers and meals donations introduced by the group.
They have additionally begun some fundraising utilizing GoFundMe and their web site.
The drive to expand their community comes as experiences by Groundswell point out there’s worry amongst these in momentary lodging that they’ll turn into homeless once more when help for the Everyone In scheme dies out.
Research from Shelter additionally revealed one in seven adults are extra fearful about changing into homeless due to the pandemic.
Vincent had labored for different charities in direct debit fundraising however expressed his disappointment at how he feels cash is wasted on forms.
He mentioned he would assure no less than 50p of each £1 donated went straight to the folks they’re serving to.
You can comply with them on Instagram @ourforgottenneighbours
