Today our Head of Communications Luke Upton is in London, meeting with Rachel Woolf, Founder and Director of Street Storage, who offer storage of belongings and documents for those experiencing homelessness. They offer storage across two locations, supporting the safekeeping of everything from suitcase, work tools and personal items to key documents like passports and right to remain documents. The storage is flexible and work with partner charities in the city to move individuals on from the street and take their belongings into stable accommodation during this time.

Luke Upton (LU): Thanks for the time today, how did you come about launching the organisation?

Rachel Woolf (RW): No problem! In 2018, having worked in homelessness for a number of years I realised there wasn't the provision for safe accessible storage for the homelessness community. I did some research about where people kept their belongings, when and how these were lost and damaged and what impact this had on people's lives. It was clear there was a need so I found a small out building in Islington and filled it with 20 people's items in less that a week! From there I began building the charity.

LU: In the four years since you began, what have been some of the changes you've seen? 

RW: We have seen a huge increase in demand as our reputation and charity grows, as well as a change in demographic. We are seeing more and more people in working poverty, more people facing eviction and feeling domestic abuse. 

LU: So,what are some of the challenges you are facing in 2023? 

RW: Our challenges are quite similar to that of many small charities. Huge increase in demand outweighing supply, impacted by the aftermath of the pandemic, Brexit, the Cost of Living Crisis. Staff burnout and recruitment challenges, competitive fundraising. But overall we are a very resilient organisation and in a good position moving forward.

LU: You've received a Magic Little Grant from us and the PPL, what was that used for? 

RW: One grant in 2021 was spent on our transport service to support people getting their belongings to our storage units, and another in 2022 that contributed to new shelving for our storage units. Both invaluable!

LU: You are currently looking for corporate supporters, tell us more about that - who are you looking for and what are the benefits. 

RW: We have one fantastic corporate supporter and are now looking to diversify/grow our pool of corporate supporters amongst management consultancy and financial services firms - but also local businesses and national businesses that relate to housing and development. We work together with corporates and - while of course aiming to receive financial support - also offer volunteering days, employee giving schemes, challenge events, charity consultancy/CSR advice and lunch and learns to their employees and teams.

 LU: And before we finish, is there anything else you wish to highlight?

RW: Just that the service is the only one in the UK. It is unique and innovative and therefore growing at pace. We have an immediate, primary impact on people's lives by bettering their physical and mental wellbeing as well as making people safer - but also secondary impact of securing housing, maintaining employment, accessing services and reconnecting with family. We are a small, passionate and incredibly hard-working team of people with a beautiful community, so please spread the word. We are so needed

 LU: Thanks so much for the time.

For more on Street Storage and their excellent work, click here.