At Smarter Services, we’ve always believed in the positive power of working within, and with, our communities. We talk about it a lot, and for good reason! Recently, we had the privilege of partnering with Warming Up The Homeless (WUTH), an award-winning charity supporting homeless individuals on the South East Coast. Last year our team donated their time to work on a truly transformative project at their Hastings Homeless Support Centre, and we’re excited to be able to share the impact of our work.
The Challenge
The rate of homelessness in the area has increased exponentially, exacerbated further by the current cost of living crisis, affecting visible rough sleepers and more invisible homeless, such as sofa surfers and those in temporary accommodation.
The Hastings Homeless Support Centre, which opened two years ago, serves as a vital haven for those in need. However, recent floods had left the facility struggling with residual damp and mould issues.
Our Contribution
- Deep cleaning of floors and ovens
- Mould treatment in the kitchen and dining room
- Repainting and refurbishing affected areas
- Replacing a rotten door
- Thorough window cleaning
The work was carried out over three consecutive Fridays to minimise disruption to the centre’s important services.
The Impact
"Thank you ALL so much. You have literally transformed our centre and have made the place something to call home for those who don't have one. I simply can't thank you enough for your hard work and dedication to the job. A marvellous result!"
The newly refreshed space now boasts vibrant blue walls in the kitchen and dining area, chosen to complement the flooring and provide an uplifting, positive atmosphere. We used anti-scuff and easy-clean paints to make sure the walls stay looking great for longer and will be really easy to maintain.
The Centre Manager, George, worked closely with us to make sure all the improvements we made truly met the specific needs of the facility and its guests. Every change we made was carefully considered!
Why It Matters
As Trudy said:
“I can assure you it will be looked after!”
This project really exemplifies our commitment to using our skills and resources to make a tangible difference in our community. As we’ve said before, it’s all about being a good neighbour! We’re proud to be able to support organisations like WUTH that are on the very front lines of addressing such important social issues. Issues that plainly aren’t going anywhere, with homelessness on the rise in 2024, it’s up to all of us to do our part to help!
Looking Forward
At Smarter Services, we’re committed to ongoing community engagement. Projects like this remind us of the very real (and lasting) impact our industry can have beyond our day-to-day operations. We look forward to continuing our partnership with WUTH and are always looking for more ways to give back to our community.
We want to take a moment to encourage other businesses to consider how they can use their unique skills and resources to support local charities and make a difference in people’s lives. After all, if not us, then who?
Working together, we can create more than just clean, well-maintained spaces – we can create positive change in our communities.
