Colette Boylan

Providence Row

Sleeping on the streets is debilitating, cold and dangerous. It shatters lives and robs people of their dignity, their self-esteem and their health. Last year over 10,000 people slept rough on the streets of London. This figure has been rising, but still doesn't include people who are ‘hidden homeless' e.g. sleeping in squats or sofa surfing. The shocking reality is that this figure is likely to be greater by the thousands. At Providence Row we tackle the root causes of homelessness to help people get off, and stay off, the streets. Working with people to build skills and confidence is the key to success and last year more than 1,600 people used our services. We will work with people, whatever their background, to help them to an independent and fulfilled life away from homelessness and exclusion, in which they are contributing members of the community. This means that we will address not only their immediate needs, but also the underlying issues and causes of their homelessness and exclusion.