LEICESTER'S largest homeless hostel has marked a major milestone, celebrating 20 years of helping thousands of people move from crisis to stability.
Partners from across the city gathered at the city council’s Dawn Centre on Conduit Street to celebrate the hostel’s 20th anniversary and its role as a place of safety, support and fresh starts for people experiencing homelessness.
The event brought together members of Leicester’s Homelessness Charter group, councillors, staff past and present, partner organisations and residents to reflect on how the service has evolved since opening its doors in 2006.
Guests were welcomed by the council’s director of housing, Chris Burgin, with speeches from Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of the Homelessness Charter Revd Alison Adams, and Paschal Bagonza, a former resident who now works at the centre.
Originally designed primarily to offer a safe bed for the night, the Dawn Centre has transformed over the past two decades into a specialist, trauma-informed hub offering coordinated support to help people rebuild their lives.
Today the centre operates as a multi-agency one-stop shop, bringing together housing support, healthcare and specialist services under one roof. Residents can access a GP service run by Inclusion Healthcare, physical and mental health support teams, and council staff who help people secure longer-term housing and develop the skills needed to live independently.
The centre currently provides 46 en-suite rooms for temporary accommodation, alongside 19 emergency spaces, including dedicated provision for women. It also serves as the base for the council’s outreach team, which goes out in the early hours every weekday morning to locate and support people sleeping rough. Evening and weekend outreach is delivered by the charity Help the Homeless, commissioned by the council.
Paschal Bagonza, who stayed at the centre before later going on to work there, said his experience shows the difference the service can make.
“The Dawn Centre provided me with a place of security when I had nowhere else to turn. I was well received, well-treated and respected” he said. “And now I am working at the centre providing the same care I received to others who need it.”
Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, deputy city mayor for housing said: “Whilst I recognise the Dawn Centre has had its challenges in dealing with one of the most misunderstood and marginalised groups in society, this anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to really celebrate the fantastic work carried out there.
“It’s clear that all of the staff there are very committed to providing a compassionate support service for people when they are most in need.”
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “When the Dawn Centre opened in 2006, homelessness looked very different in Leicester, but the central challenge was the same: helping people who, often through no fault of their own, had lost the security of a home.
“Two decades later, homelessness remains a growing national challenge and the pressure on council services is greater than ever. That’s why the partnership working we see here is so important.
“The multi-agency approach developed at the Dawn Centre has achieved remarkable results and has received national recognition as a model of good practice.
“I want to thank all the organisations, volunteers and council staff who have contributed to this work over the past 20 years, often in very challenging circumstances. Their commitment has helped transform thousands of lives.”
Revd Alison Adams, Chair of Leicester’s Homelessness Charter, added:
“No single organisation can solve homelessness alone. What makes Leicester special is the way partners across the city come together to tackle the issue collectively.
“Here, organisations large and small — national and local, statutory and charitable, faith-based and secular — work together to share ideas, plan solutions and support people effectively.
“Just as importantly, the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness are heard and valued in shaping how services develop.”
During the celebration, Sir Peter Soulsby presented a special award recognising the dedication of the many staff, volunteers and partner organisations who have supported the Dawn Centre over the past two decades. The award was accepted by Chris Burgin on behalf of everyone involved in the centre’s work.