Hope Afloat
Sailing to the aid of London's homeless!
What we do
Hope Afloat aims to provide floating accommodation for the homeless on often underused waterways and docks in London and major cities. Providing essential accommodation in a secure, nurturing group environment with facilities and support aimed at helping these vulnerable citizens get back on track.
The Benefits
Central underused water locations
Immediacy of use – just sail the boat in
Soothing water environment
Low cost compared to traditional building
Boat life re-enforces group unity
For developers: low cost way to meet social impact requirement in high quality areas
Paris
'The water environment has a marked soothing effect on our guests'
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Fabien Boisseuil
Director
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Rotterdam
'Finding myself in my own cabin allows me to rest and have more energy to rebuild my life'
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A guest
Françoise Call
Founder
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Knowledge of boats and the river - lives on a boat on the Thames, knowledge of the stakeholders involved and legal framework
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Understanding of homelessness issues
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board urban regeneration, housing association
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mental health panel and associated housing issue
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volunteering for a day centre
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thesis on right of housing in the European Convention of Human Rights
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Serial entrepreneur - knows how to set up projects
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MBA, lawyer, governance specialist
"I have lived on a converted coaster moored on the Thames for 12 years. I know how restorative can be the combination of water, light and air"
