THE final touches of straightening bedsheets, popping dinner in the oven, and then preparing for guests are taking place.
This isn’t a hotel, nor is it a family home waiting for the influx of far-flung relatives at Christmas. It’s West Ham’s community centre The Foundry, which has been hosting rough sleepers for eight days over the festive season.
The Irons’ charity has been opening its doors every Saturday for the borough’s homeless in partnership with homeless charity NEWway Project.
One of the first arrivals is Alek, 46, from Lithuania, a trained baker who has struggled to get a job since Covid.
“The Foundry is the best place to stay because it’s a comfortable temperature,” he told The Sun.
“It’s the simple things like being able to go get some water if you need it during the night. There’s also hot showers and comfortable beds with not many people per room.
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“Also the lights go off, in some night shelters they stay on all night. And the food is delicious and always piping hot, which I appreciate as someone who worked in food.”
The 16 people staying in the centre are all sober and deemed lower risk – meaning they don’t have any serious mental health issues.
They were treated to a cooked dinner of fish pie when The Sun visited, and then a hot breakfast the following morning before heading to a different location for the day.
There is also one woman who is staying at the centre who gets a room to herself.
The initiative, spearheaded by West Ham United Foundation CEO Joseph Lyons, is backed by the team’s top players.
Tomáš Souček said: “I am proud to be a part of West Ham United, and particularly proud to be a part of a club that is so close with its community and all of the people within it.
“When I joined all of the people in East London and all of the West Ham fans made me feel welcome and a part of the family, so to be able to give back throughout the year, but especially at Christmas, is really special for me and all of the players.”
Another rough sleeper calling the centre home over Christmas is Vaclovas, 50, from Lithuania. He became homeless after breaking both his legs in 2023 when working in construction.
But he’s hopeful that he’ll get back to work doing a cleaning job, and grateful for a warm place to bed down.
“I love West Ham as a team, so getting to stay here is really cool,” he said.
‘It’s the simple things’
“When I first came here I got to make a picture with Anton Ferdinand which was amazing.
“It’s a lovely place to stay, and it means my daughters don’t have to worry about me at Christmas, and I don’t want them to worry.
“I don’t mind sleep rough because I was a soldier, but it’s nice to come here.”
Our visit to the centre comes after Callum Wilson backed our Christmas For All campaign to donate to food banks.
It’s a cause the whole team is passionate about and their fans run Irons Supporting Food Banks.
Just before Christmas Eve was the annual players’ donation day – attended club captain Jarrod Bowen.
He said: “Irons Supporting Food banks do incredible work to support local families, especially at this time of year.
“As players, we know how important it is to give back and use our platform to support those who need it most. The volunteers give up so much of their time, and we’re proud to be able to play our part by supporting their efforts.
“The impact the Foundation has on people’s lives is only a good thing… it’s life-changing moments that we’re talking about. It’s not something small; it’s big things, it’s big impacts we can have on people lives.”
Christmas cheer
When The Sun visited The Foundry, former West Ham players Matty Jarvis and Kenny Brown were on hand, alongside West Ham and Beckton MP James Asser.
They heaped the steaming pie on to plates before sitting down to join the rough sleepers for dinner.
“I think everyone wants to have warm food, a nice shower and somewhere safe to sleep,” Matty said.
“It’s been lovely being able to sit down with everyone and have conversations.
“I can tell how much of a relief it is for them to be able to just relax and not think about finding somewhere to sleep or where they’ll have to go during the day.”
MP James added: “It’s absolutely vital there are places like The Foundry. The borough and East London places huge pressures, particularly around housing issues and homelessness.
“We only get through this stuff by community action, through the churches or community groups, and being able to see some bigger players, being able to get involved and make use of places like this, is really important.”
