The Barons Court Project is the only drop-in centre, providing services and activities for people who are rough sleeping, at risk of homelessness or living with mental ill health in Hammersmith and Fulham. We recently successfully raised the funds for a complete new shower refurbishment. It looks amazing! However, the old boiler is about to give up the ghost. We need a new one to meet the need of an increasing number of service users at the Barons Court Project. Local, independent plumbers recommended on social media Next Door have quoted us on a replacement for a new water tank that will enable more showers to the hour. A shower is street homeless individuals’ first step towards change, rejuvenation and dignity. A step off the streets on the road to recovery. A combi boiler with thermostat to ensure each rough sleeper gets a re-juvenating shower with full power when most needed is promised.

What we'll deliver:

• Constant hot showers available for rough sleepers
• Install new combi boiler
• Install new water tank
• Winter warmth for all - with controllable heating
• Environment friendly thermostat
• Safe, welcoming, inclusive space for the community

Why it's a great idea:

Hope starts here. Winter is coming. Our hot showers are the first step off the street. We need to power the shower! A new combi boiler will have a thermostat - enabling the timing settings to prepare the centre in time for the first visitors. Rough sleepers rejuvenated after their shower are welcomed into our cafe for hot and healthy meals. The centre is a Victorian House that serves for many as a temporary home. To make the visitors time here effective and enhance well being, we have activities on the first floor training and education rooms. The current water tank is kept here it is too small and half filled with lime scale. Time for a new one to suit the growing needs of more visitors every day. The Barons Court Project has been supporting homeless people in the area for 32 years and we continue to grow.

Steps to get it done:

• Week one: to achieve 10% of target for deposit payment
• Week three: Installation booked
• Week two: to raise 50% to pay for equipment
• Kick start donations from supporters

Our service users consider the centre as 'home'. Those new to the centre are always welcomed in, shown around and given a cuppa and time to settle. The centre exudes an atmosphere of genuine acceptance and care. The Barons Court Project is unique in the inclusion of individuals without referral. James Bowen says in his film "A Street Cat Named Bob" when he moves into his flat and he turns on the tap "hot water!" The impact of hot water is huge and rough sleepers benefit the most. Our current boiler isn't able to deliver the amount of hot water that's needed.