The Outside Project is currently crowdfunding to build a winter refuge for trans people in Hackney.

It is currently being built as a place of refuge for trans people who are experiencing hardships such as domestic violence, homelessness or seeking asylum.

They have invited volunteers, allies, community members and more to help and support the shelter and are providing private and communal bedrooms, as well as offices and community spaces.

Talaith Campbell, the Partnerships Coordinator of The Outside Project, explained that the shelter supplies more than just a roof over people’s heads, but also a place of togetherness.

Campbell explained: “The primary thing that we’re doing other than providing direct housing is providing a sense of community. Queer people throughout London are under threat, with the rise of anti LGBTIQ+ hate crimes, hate speech and discrimination, so we’re trying to create community spaces that reflect shared value, understanding and trust and make it so that services are accessible.”

The group’s main focus is the queer community and the trans and migrant community. Campbell explained how they “want an emphasis on trans individuals because they’re, historically, the most martialised, left out of traditional services of the community.”

Many housing services in London do not acknowledge the unique requirement for suitable housing for trans people, making shelters like these a critical lifeline.

The Outside Project provides access for trans individuals to feel safe and inclusive, without fear of being shunned.

Many trans individuals do not have a safe place to go to due to their identity. The idea of the shelter is to help address the lack of resources for trans people, especially in East London, where many trans and queer people reside.

Campbell said: “The main problem we’re combating is the fact that many services are not accessible and are not adequate for providing care. Physical accessibility for sure is a thing. Many spaces in London are not accessible to people with disabilities, and in the sense that people may feel that they cannot access services because they’re a marginalised group of society.

“[Trans people] have [a] fear of facing discrimination or homophobia or transphobia especially. There’re many other safety reasons that might be inaccessible, like housing policy in the UK and accessibility needs and the safety needs of trans individuals.”

The Outside Project’s goal is to do the best they can to help, and with projects like the winter shelter, it is vital for them to help as many people as they can. With the harsh winter weather, many queer homeless services are overburdened by the lack of support, funding and services that the government provides.

On crowdfunding site Chuffed, the project has a goal of £15,000, which they are close to achieving. They also have a wishlist, where they ask for the public’s help to buy necessities, such as basic mattresses, underbed trundles, water bottles, socks and much more.

“We want everyone to leave with the essential items they need, even if that’s something as simple as a bag to carry their things. Some of the ones that we have now are from previous shelters that we run. They’ve been stored until we’ve needed them now.”

Campbell was surprised with how quickly people have raised for the shelter and sees it as a way of people recognising issues. She explained: “It’s one of the most heartwarming things I’ve seen! The way that the community is able to come together and is willing to support each other and to recognise these issues and to stand for one another, despite many not having the resources themselves […] I think that’s what’s really beautiful. Some people are giving five pounds, some are giving a thousand and it’s really whatever people can give, they are.

We feel supported. It’s really just encouraging to have this kind of support for what we’re doing and to have the recognition that we know is there, and seeing everyone come together even not in the sense of donations, but having so many volunteers come and wanting to talk about it and write about it and meet with us means a lot.”