Blue plaques celebrate ex-homeless people helped off the street

Project launched by local homelessness charity to share the stories of the people it helps
By James Cracknell

Blue plaques celebrating people who have been helped out of homelessness are being placed in rough-sleeping ‘hotspots’ around Haringey and Enfield.

Local homeless charity All People All Places (APAP) wanted to “reimagine” the iconic blue plaques which are usually used to commemorate famous people in places where they used to live.

APAP’s blue plaques each tell the story of a former homeless person, with the hope of inspiring the sort of support for lifting people out of homelessness which the charity says is even more vital amid the growing cost-of-living crisis.

The campaign comes at a crucial time, as temperatures begin to drop and more and more people are being affected by rising inflation and household bills.

George Dunstall, chief executive of APAP, said: “Homelessness is a complex and devastating issue. Whether people are forced to sleep on the streets, or have the constant stress of not knowing whose floor they will sleep on tonight, it is vital we’re able to support them in navigating their way beyond homelessness.

“We’re so excited to launch this campaign. It’s about keeping the light on the rising issue of homelessness whilst focusing on the many positive stories there are tell.”

One person who now has their own blue plaque – by the bus stop at St Mary’s Church in Tottenham – is Jakob, who was evicted from his rented home in Haringey after five years. Following this, he suffered a stroke.

Homeless, while trying to deal with limited mobility and memory loss, Jakob spent several nights sleeping rough on a park bench during a particularly cold spell.

Jakob arrived at the APAP day centre in Edmonton, where he was given emergency accommodation, food and a new sleeping bag. APAP said he still visits the centre often, and that the charity is now helping him find a new, more suitable home.

To read the stories behind APAP’s blue plaques and to donate:

Instagram @AllPeopleAllPlaces

Twitter @APAP_Services

Visit allpeopleallplaces.org/homelessplaques

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