AFK's commitment to Hackney Night Shelter

At AFK, we are honoured to stand alongside Hackney Night Shelter, supporting their incredible work to help their guests find a way out of homelessness. For more than 25 years, the shelter has been a lifeline in our community, providing not only a safe place to stay, but also the essential support services needed by their guests to make a fresh start.

Hackney Night Shelter Sleep Out

Recently, Sho Itoh, Principal at AFK, and Erlend C. L. Birkeland, our Communications and Bid Writer, took part in the 2024 sponsored Hackney Night Shelter Sleep Out. This event was an eye-opening reminder of the challenges faced by so many in our city and strengthened our resolve to support this partnership. Reflecting on the experience, Erlend shared:

“It was a special opportunity to come together and raise funds for those in need. Hearing the powerful stories from former shelter visitors reminded me of the challenges many face and underscored the importance of charities like Hackney Night Shelter.”

Why Hackney Night Shelter is so important

Homelessness continues to be a growing crisis in London and across the globe. In the first quarter of 2024, street homelessness in London rose by a staggering 33% compared to the previous year, with over 4,000 people sleeping rough for the first time. But these visible figures are only part of a much larger problem, as hidden homelessness impacts countless more across the city.

Hackney Night Shelter is one of London’s few year-round, fixed-location shelters. It does more than provide a hot meal and a bed: It offers a safe, welcoming space away from the streets. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this shelter, and with the support of the community, they provide almost 9,500 nights of safe rest every year. Sho Itoh shares:

“I'm lucky to call Hackney my home and community. It's where I live, work and play. Sadly, not everyone is so fortunate. Hackney Night Shelter’s dedication to helping those experiencing homelessness is truly inspiring and we’re thrilled to support their mission for positive change. Our team is eager to roll up our sleeves and engage in even more volunteer efforts to make a difference in our own community!”

Making a difference together

The Sleep Out event raised an impressive £17,863 (including Gift Aid) by the end of October, which is enough to cover meals for shelter guests for an entire year. However, the journey doesn’t end here. Donations will continue to be collected on the JustGiving page until December 25, 2024, offering more opportunities to contribute.

Every donation, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. Please consider supporting us by sharing this story, following our journey as we continue volunteering and collaborating with Hackney Night Shelter, and getting involved however you can. Together, we can bring hope and comfort to those who need it most.

Visit our JustGiving page to learn more and make a difference on JustGiving.com