We would normally have been making the final preparations to open the C4WS shelter this Monday 2nd November. Unfortunately we shall not be doing so. It became clear in the Summer that, because of Covid restrictions, we could not run the shelter on the traditional model, rotating round seven churches each week. Since then Adam Eustace, our new Project director (standing in for Nikki Barnett, whose baby ,Daisy, arrived early in January) and his team have been working like Trojans to find a suitable and affordable venue for the shelter.

One of the major factors is ensuring that the hostel is located somewhere reasonably accessible for the many volunteers whose help will be indispensable in running it. An otherwise very suitable hostel was found in Pimlico, but the great majority of our volunteers, including most from Hampstead, were reluctant to travel so far.

Fortunately, after a slow start, Camden has taken up our case, and is now determined to find us somewhere in the Borough. The most likely possibility currently is an unused day centre in West Hampstead. It will require the installation of some showers and an additional lavatory or two, as well as a few stud walls to divide rooms, so that we can accommodate 16 guests. All this is quite feasible and we are seeking a reliable plumber and builder to quote for the work- if anyone can recommend such a contractor, please get in touch with me- [email protected]

Equally, if you have not already heard from me about volunteering, but think you may be able to help, please get in touch.

We will not be opening on 2nd November, but we are determined to get the hostel up and running as soon as we can.