The Outside Project is opening emergency hotel spaces for LGBTIQ+ people experiencing homelessness, unsafe living situations or sofa surfing. The hotel spaces will be in central London and provide a safe LGBTIQ+ identity responsive space for our community. They have been open as a 24/7 service since the first lockdown was in 2020 and have remained open throughout the pandemic, also opening STAR Refuge and their new LGBTIQ+ Community Centre in Borough.
The Outside Project started off as a winter shelter and have gradually expanded their services to meet the needs of LGBTIQ+ people. Funded by the Homelessness Winter Transformation fund, they will be opening additional winter bed spaces for 2021.
“Winter is always a more dangerous time for people experiencing homelessness, and our community often does not have access to mainstream services. This can be due to multiple different forms of oppression, from not having gender-neutral bathrooms to overt homophobia, biophobia or transphobia, lack of a local connection or being ‘hidden homeless’. Providing LGBTIQ+ people with an identity responsive space to recover from their crisis point can be transformative and we prioritise responding to people’s needs and celebrating LGBTIQ+ identities, histories and achievements – for us both go hand in hand and we’re grateful for the continues support that has made this possible”
Jesse Ashman, Community Organiser, The Outside Project told QX,
“It’s such a relief to have this service available to our community again this year in light of the ongoing covid pandemic. Thanks to our community again as ever who have made this possible and will undoubtedly continue to support us to support more marginalized members of our community who are in crisis. It’s great to be able to welcome back volunteers on our crew this year after only having staff on site during lockdown.”
Carla Ecola, Founder and Director, The Outside Project continued,
Everyone staying with them will have their own room with an ensuite and support provided by a majority LGBTIQ+ staff team. The bed spaces are open for referrals from partner organisations, AKT, Galop and Stonewall Housing, who provide LGBTIQ+ advocacy and casework. If you are homeless or think you might be, please visit their website to find the best way to refer yourselves to us – https://lgbtiqoutside.org/help/
If you would like to support their work you can find out how to volunteer here https://lgbtiqoutside.org/volunteer/ and donate here https://lgbtiqoutside.org/donate-3/
The post Volunteers Needed To Support Emergency LGBTIQ+ Hotel Spaces This Winter appeared first on QX Magazine.