Hopetown Centre for women in East London, was the venue for a very special 50^th Anniversary tea party celebrating SAHA's golden jubilee earlier this summer. 

The Celebrations started with a warm welcome from SAHA's Chairman Colonel Lawrie Fisher, explaining the history behind Hopetown and the reason why the celebrations where poignant (it was 125 years ago that the Salvation Army began its work with homeless people, opening the first centre for vulnerable women at Hopetown in Tower Hamlets). 

SAHA and the Salvation Army work in partnership in delivering supported housing services nationwide working with over 63 local authorities in providing accommodation for groups including single homeless people. At centres, such as Hopetown the aim is to work with residents to address the cause of their homelessness and build key skills to help them sustain independent living.

Attending the event were former and present residents and staff, SAHA Board members, Salvation Army personnel and representatives of the Tenants Services Authority who enjoyed food and entertainment at the centre along with a moving and inspiring talk by an ex-resident about their experience at and beyond Hopetown.

To find out more about the services provided at projects such as Hopetown please click on the attached link or go to the "SAHA Services" section of the SAHA website.  If you would like further information about this 50th celebratory event please contact Alpita Patel, Business Support Officer at alpita.patel@saha.org.uk.