A women-only shelter is set to reopen at a closed primary school by a Hackney homelessness charity.
Hackney Doorways, a charity that offers shelter for homeless people, is in the process of taking over the former Colvestone Primary School site, which officially closed on 31 August last year.
The charity’s women-only building was forced to close last year due to safety issues, leaving their unisex shelter as the only option for the homeless women of the area.
Charity director, Mark Palframan, is eager to reopen as soon as possible. “There are women in Hackney who need a space that is theirs,” he says. “Somewhere they can feel safe, supported and respected.” He confirms that this new space at Colvestone will offer a short-term stay of up to 28 days, following the same model of their previous and current shelters.
“It’s not even about crisis care, it’s about dignity,” he explained. “For many women – particularly those from specific cultural or religious backgrounds – being in a mixed accommodation just isn’t an option. This gives them somewhere they can breathe.”
The charity is focused on making practical use of vacant local sites. “Hackney is a place of transition,” Palframan said. “It’s nonsense not to utilise a building with so much potential that is just sitting empty.”
Once officially approved, Hackney Doorways hopes to begin renovation work within the next month, turning the school into a lifeline for women in need.
Currently completing MA Newspaper Journalism at City st George's, University of London.