Our Story
Eddie was homeless and asked how we could help. FirmFoundation is our response to Eddie's challenge.
Our continuing story
The needs in our community continue to change, and so does our work. What remains constant is our commitment to walking alongside people as they move out of homelessness and towards stability and independence.
Prevention
Helping people keep a home.
Rough Sleepers
Supporting people to leave the streets.
Supported Housing
Life skills and stability.
Eddie
Where It All Began
Our story begins with Eddie.
Eddie was homeless and with some help from a local congregation got back on his feet.
Then came the challenge, 'I want to help the homeless'. What began by assisting just one person led to a series of events that was set to change many more lives and extend across the Borough of Harrow.
The First Steps
In June 2009, the leaders of five local churches came together to discuss how their churches could help the homeless in Harrow.
A group was formed, which decided to run a ‘pilot scheme’. This scheme would consist of an evening drop in service, run five nights a week, for five weeks. Contact was made with other agencies in Harrow and the ‘pilot scheme’ was set up to run from January- February 2010.
2009
2010
Growing Support
Following the success of the ‘pilot scheme’, the group decided to continue running the drop in, offering the same services, for one night a week.
During the spring of 2010 a decision was made, based on the number of people passing through the drop-in, to run a cold weather night shelter in Harrow in early 2011.
Planning applications were sent to the local authorities and funding was sought from grant giving charities and local churches. By November 2010 FirmFoundation had secured both the planning consent and the necessary funding to run a Winter Night Shelter in Harrow from January – March 2011.
In December 2010 over 100 volunteers from 7 local churches were trained by members of Housing Justice and in January 2011 FirmFoundation’s inaugural Winter Night Shelter opened its doors.
Becoming a Registered Charity
Building stability and structure As the work expanded, FirmFoundation became a registered charity. This allowed the organisation to grow sustainably, apply for funding, and employ staff to coordinate services and support volunteers. A Charity Manager was appointed, helping to formalise partnerships with Harrow Council and other local organisations, and ensuring that support was consistent and effective.
2012
2013
Expanding Services
Beyond Emergency Night Shelter's
Over time, FirmFoundation developed additional services to respond to different stages of homelessness, including:
- Drop-in support sessions
- Supported accommodation
- Ongoing practical and emotional support
This shift recognised that people need more than temporary shelter. They need stability, understanding, and support to move forward.
Supported Accommodation
Clients now can move in to Hope Place or Grace House with FirmFoundation’s support for up to 24 months, working on life skills, increasing confidence and independence. Eventually moving onto their own accommodation. Hope Place’s first three occupants came from the 2013 Winter Night Shelter.
Day Services
FirmFoundation manages Day Services for rough sleepers. These include showers, meals and laundry facilities. A support Worker will then begin the case work which will end their homelessness.
Work with Rough Sleepers
FirmFoundation now work all through the year supporting and assisting rough sleepers in the Borough of Harrow.
Harrow’s Single Homeless Forum
FirmFoundation are committed to ending homelessness in Harrow. This requires not only partnerships with Harrow Council but also the other Voluntary Sector Organisations. FirmFoundation will continue to chair Harrow’s Single Homeless Form in order to better achieve this.
Winter Night Shelter
This dormitory style shelter, runs each year during January, February and March.
Now
More than a place to sleep
Homelessness affects every part of a person’s life. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves dignity, safety, and the chance to rebuild. FirmFoundation exists to offer practical help, human connection, and hope, even when circumstances feel overwhelming.
How You Can Get Involved
Make a difference locally
FirmFoundation exists because people choose to support our work. There are several ways you can get involved.
Donate
Your donation helps provide shelter, support, and stability to people experiencing homelessness in our community. Every contribution helps us respond to real needs, right here in Harrow.
Fundraise
Whether it’s a sponsored challenge, a community event, or something creative, fundraising is a powerful way to support our work and raise awareness.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are central to what we do. By giving your time, you can help create a welcoming, supportive environment for people who need it most.
Stay Connected
Keep up to date with our work
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- Updates on our services and projects
- Stories from our work and community
- News about events, appeals, and opportunities to get involved
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