For a woman fleeing domestic and sexual abuse, a roof could be a sign of impending violence. Especially where men are present. Even though it makes her vulnerable to stigma, addiction, exploitation and more violence, she might feel safer rough sleeping.
“There was an element of danger being in a building that has a roof that is classified as a home. I actually felt safer walking around in parks or in nature.”
18 Keys will be a female-only space for women to build more hopeful futures. Every woman we welcome will have their own key to privacy and sanctuary.
Women experiencing homelessness may live chaotic lives, often having fled traumatic events. They’re also likely to struggle with complex mental health issues.
18 Keys will be a place women can come to recover and become independent again.
The 18 Keys project will come to life in a redeveloped property owned and managed by The Connection at St Martin’s. The Connection is a well-established charity that works with people who are rough sleeping in London.
The campaign to raise £2.3m to fund 18 Keys is overseen by the St Martin-in-the-Fields Trust, The Connection’s charity partners.
Your support will help pay for the redevelopment, which will include one-to-one therapy rooms, studio apartments, emergency bed spaces and a new communal area.
For more information, updates and press enquiries, please email [email protected] or write to:
St Martin-in-the-Fields Trust
5 St Martin’s Place
Trafalgar Square
London, WC2N 4JH
020 7766 1132
Registered Charity No. 1110406
