Our Mission
Work Is the
Way Out
Homelessness is a multifaceted social issue which is often accompanied by a range of interconnected challenges, including poverty, mental health issues and family breakdown. Unemployment is a significant contributing factor to homelessness, exacerbating the precarious economic situation of some people in society.
Our Vision
Changing the
status quo
Our vision and mission is to change the status quo for homeless people, and all those threatened by the scourge of homelessness, through our transformative social impact restaurant initiative we call 130 Primrose.
Our charitable objects as listed at the Charity Commission website are to relieve the charitable needs of individuals in the United Kingdom who have lived experience of homelessness, who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or otherwise vulnerable by providing training, skills development and employment opportunities in the restaurant, catering, hospitality and other industries where such opportunities may arise.
We classify ‘vulnerable people’ as people who face significant barriers to social and economic participation, including (but not limited to): people experiencing poverty or financial hardship; those with mental health needs; people with substance misuse issues; refugees and asylum seekers; survivors of domestic violence; people with disabilities and individuals leaving institutional care such as prison, the armed forces or the care system. All of which tend to be over-represented in the homeless population.
We recruit, train and employ individuals from the homeless community as a significant portion of our wider staff base, aiming to uplift and upskill them for a brighter and more sustainable future in the wider catering and hospitality industry. It is our intention to prove our model and vision, and scale it nationally — to bring more economic opportunities to more homeless people, to be a reliable and consistent source of untapped diverse talent to the catering and hospitality sector, and ultimately to change the flawed public perception of what it is to be homeless.
The Barriers
The challenges we face in
achieving our ultimate vision
The reluctance to employ homeless individuals can stem from various societal perceptions, practical considerations and systemic barriers. Some of those reasons are:
Stigma & Stereotypes
Homelessness is often associated with negative stereotypes and stigmas, including assumptions about laziness, substance abuse, or mental illness. Employers may hold biased beliefs about the reliability, trustworthiness or capability of homeless individuals, leading to discrimination in the hiring process.
Lack of Address or Contact Information
Many job applications require applicants to provide a permanent address or contact information, which can pose challenges for homeless individuals who lack stable housing. Employers may overlook or dismiss applications from people without a fixed address, assuming they are unreliable or transient.
Limited Access to Resources & Support
Homeless individuals often face significant barriers to accessing education, training, transportation and other resources essential for securing and maintaining employment. They may struggle to overcome these barriers and compete effectively in the job market without adequate support services and assistance.
Concerns About Stability & Reliability
Employers may perceive homeless individuals as less stable or reliable employees due to their transient living situations, lack of consistent access to transportation or childcare and potential challenges related to mental health or substance abuse. These concerns can deter employers from hiring homeless people, fearing increased absenteeism, turnover or workplace disruptions.
Legal & Liability Concerns
Some employers may have concerns about potential legal or liability issues associated with hiring homeless individuals, particularly if they have criminal records, a history of substance abuse or mental health issues. Employers may worry about workplace safety, theft or conflicts with other employees, leading them to avoid hiring people with complex backgrounds or vulnerabilities.
Lack of Awareness or Understanding
Many employers may lack awareness or understanding of the challenges homeless people face and the potential benefits of hiring from this population. Without education and outreach efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in hiring practices, employers may overlook the valuable skills, experiences and perspectives that homeless individuals can bring to the workforce.
Who We Help Who We Target for Help
Who is affected by
homelessness & unemployment?
Single adults make up a significant proportion of the homeless population in London. Factors such as unemployment, relationship breakdowns, mental health issues and substance abuse can contribute to their homelessness.
Youth homelessness is a pressing issue in the United Kingdom and, specifically, London. Many young people leave home due to family conflict, abuse or lack of support. LGBTQ+ youth, care leavers and those exiting the criminal justice system are particularly at risk of homelessness.
Certain vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by homelessness, including individuals with mental health issues, substance abuse disorders, learning disabilities and those with a history of trauma or abuse. These individuals may face additional challenges in accessing support services and securing stable housing and employment.
Rough sleeping or street homelessness is perhaps the most visible form of homelessness. Rough sleepers often face multiple barriers to accessing support, including lack of shelter spaces, limited access to healthcare and vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
Migrants and refugees, including asylum seekers, are also overrepresented among the homeless population. Legal restrictions, language barriers, and limited access to support networks can exacerbate their vulnerability to homelessness.
Read Further
Our Theory
of Change
All of this and much more is contained within our Theory of Change document — which you can download here.