The Harbour Project is an urgent response to the UK’s housing crisis, the first long-term accommodation in London for people experiencing long-term homelessness. Storm was part of a pilot project for 23 people, to help them leave homelessness behind long term.
Storm had experienced homelessness for many years, experiencing addiction challenges and cycles of homelessness because of a lack of support around her. Recently, she lost her home after falling behind on rent.
After losing her home, Storm was able to move into temporary supported housing for a year, where she was supported to recover from addiction and debt. The stability of a safe home with support really helped Storm, so when it was time to move on, she felt another supported home would be right for her longer term. The Harbour Project accepts resident referrals from every borough in London, and through her supported accommodation, Storm had an interview with the team at Your Place.
Now she’s moved into The Harbour Project, Storm is being helped by her support workers, a night team and a day team, as well as peers with experience of homelessness, to create the community networks she needs to leave homelessness behind for good.
Storm said, “I spent my first night here in tears. I didn’t think it was possible to feel safe like this. It was a weird feeling – a really good feeling, but a weird one.”
“I didn’t know something like this existed. The feeling of having a roof over my head, and somewhere my babies can come and visit their mum and their nanna, it’s just so special. The staff here really get me as well; they listen to what I have to say, and what I actually want for my own future. Honestly, it’s so refreshing.”
The Harbour Project works on a trauma-informed and person-centred basis, meaning that residents are met where they are, with their own wants and needs at the centre of their support plan. This kind of support looks different for every resident. For Storm, who enjoys spending more time with family and friends, she is benefitting from help with appointment reminders and day-to-day admin tasks. Her support team are on hand to support with the big and small aspects of solving homelessness.
Although Storm has a home with The Harbour Project for as long as she needs, she says: “I now have hope that I can have my own place with my own little garden. It’s a small dream but it’s really all I want for me and my kids. My babies and grandkids can come and have peace. When they come round nanna’s, they can have a little safe haven.” Having the option of long-term supported housing can help people build a strong foundation and community to leave homelessness behind for good.
With a clear sense of relief of having a long-term place to call home, Storm says that “my nervous system has calmed down for the first time in my adult life. When I got the keys to my own flat, something happened, and my body told me I’m safe.”
The Harbour Project
The Harbour Project was only possible due to funding. The Harbour Project is funded by the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government and the Mayor of London’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Project (SHAP). It actively contributes to both the Mayor of London’s pledge to end rough sleeping by 2030 and Your Place’s mission of solving homelessness one person at a time.
Tom Copley, the Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, says: “I’m delighted that Your Place is opening The Harbour Project to its first residents, helping more Londoners off our streets and into long-term accommodation.
“The Mayor and I are committed to ending rough sleeping in the capital for good by 2030 and have established a new plan of action to help get us there, working with London’s boroughs and focused on prevention and delivering more homes for people at risk. Backed by funding from the Mayor, the Harbour Project will support this important mission as we continue working to build a better, fairer London for everyone.”
Amanda Dubarry, Your Place’s Chief Executive says: “Your Place are excited to welcome our new residents to join our vibrant and welcoming community in Newham. Our teams are dedicated to supporting people and helping them towards their future goals. We are very proud to be opening The Harbour Project, and continuing our work towards ending homelessness one person at a time.”
*Names have been changed for anonymity.
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