At Paramount, we’ve always believed that being part of a community means showing up for it, not just when the sun’s shining, but when it’s cold, dark, and people need a hand.
That’s why this winter, we’re proud to be partnering with Single Homeless Project, a London charity founded in 1975 by six homeless Londoners who set out to challenge the system and make their vision of a safe place to live a reality.
A lot has changed since then, but their spirit hasn’t.
Today, in a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, their work has never been more needed, or more challenging. Single Homeless Project supports over 10,000 Londoners each year, preventing homelessness, providing safe places to live and offering people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and reclaim their futures.
Their services span 32 boroughs, and while housing is their priority, their support goes far beyond a roof over someone’s head. Their “wraparound service” looks at everything a person needs not just to survive, but to truly thrive, from education and employment, to wellbeing and long-term independence.
Meet Abdul: finding purpose through helping others
When we sat down with Abdul, one of their dedicated team members, it was clear this isn’t just a job to him; it’s his calling.
Before joining Single Homeless Project, Abdul worked in hospitality, helping residents in East London find their footing in the industry through a social enterprise called The Good Training Programme, a scheme brought over from the Netherlands by Good Hotels.
The idea was simple but powerful: provide hands-on hospitality training, from waiting tables to working in kitchens, followed by three months of paid work experience. It gave people a fresh start, and it worked. The programme had an impressive 75% success rate, with trainees securing employment or further opportunities afterwards.
“I realised my purpose was helping people,” he said. “I get a buzz from seeing someone I’ve supported find their feet again.”
Now, four years on, Abdul channels that same energy into helping others rebuild their confidence and careers. From helping someone turn a language skill into an interpreting job, to sitting down and asking “What’s your why?”, he makes sure support never feels like a tick-box exercise.
“It’s not about filling forms, it’s about real conversations. What makes you happy? What’s your passion? Let’s build from there.”
And when we asked him what keeps him going, he didn’t hesitate:
“Single Homeless Project are true to it. They genuinely believe in the cause. And I’m surrounded by people who really want to help.”
How you can help this winter
Inspired by the work Abdul and the team are doing, we’re launching our Winter Warmth Campaign to help support their Kentish Town women’s hostel.
So if you’re doing a little winter shedding before Christmas, please consider donating any suitable items and dropping them off at our office on West End Lane.
Warm clothing:
- Coats
- Jumpers
- Knitwear
- Trousers
- Comfortable shoes
- Gloves
- Thick/thermal/fluffy socks
New essentials (in packaging):
- Underwear
- Additional thermal socks if new
Toiletries (new/sealed):
- Sanitary products
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash/shower gel
- Deodorant
- Hand moisturiser
- Vaseline/lip balm
Other useful items:
- Beauty & makeup (new/sealed)
- Snack bars (individually packaged, long-life)
A continued commitment to our community
Supporting the Single Homeless Project this winter is part of our broader commitment to giving back to the communities we work in. As an Estate Agent in West Hampstead, we're big on community. iFrom local partnerships to hands-on initiatives, we believe in using our platform to make a tangible difference where it matters most.
If you’d like to see what these campaigns look like in action, you can read about last year’s Winter Warmth effort and the generosity of our residents and clients here: Our Warm Winter Clothing Drive Was a Success.
To learn more about the Single Homeless Project, click here.
To learn more about our Charity & Community work, click here.
