Islington Council, in partnership with Haringey Council, hosted an event last month to discuss Stroud Green Road, a problematic and challenging rough sleeping hotspot in the London Borough.

Our newest team member, Samra, was invited to the event to gain insight into the issue and to share her learnings in the hope that specific actions could be agreed upon to support those people sleeping rough.

Amongst the many ideas that came out of the event, one of the focus points was around community engagement, and how it could be increased and sustained to help tackle the issue.

The event was attended by grassroots, voluntary and faith-based organisations as well as traders, the ministry, the police, members of the local community and Samra.

An inspiring example was shared at the event of how to better support people sleeping rough at Stroud Green Road was of The Glass House shelter in Hornsey Road, Holloway.

The shelter opened in February with the help of 300 volunteers who spent two months transforming the space.

The Glass House offered immediate accommodation to those who would have otherwise been rough sleeping last winter.

This project was very successful, and a large part of this was due to the support offered from residents and the local traders association.

Islington Council, Haringey Council with Streets Kitchen, Housing Justice are hoping to build on the Glasshouse shelter’s working model, over the coming months.

The shelter aims that those sleeping rough at Stroud Green Road will have a warm and safe place to stay during the coldest months of the year as well as offering further support to assist people off the streets for good.

Thanks for your time and continued support.