The West Ham United Foundation last week welcomed 80 people from the local area, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as part of ‘Hammers for Hope’, a community support project held at the Foundation’s new flagship hub, The Foundry, in Beckton, Newham.
Designed to offer a pathway towards long-term independence, the Hammers for Hope programme – supported by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association – combines tailored physical activity sessions with employability support and wellbeing resources.
The programme is predominantly being delivered in partnership with Your Place, a local charity committed to solving homelessness ‘one person at a time’. By working collaboratively, the Foundation and Your Place are creating a safe and supportive environment where residents can rebuild confidence, develop new skills and ultimately take steps towards stability and self-sufficiency.
As an extension of this initiative, the Foundation opened the doors of The Foundry to welcome groups from nine east London homeless services.
Throughout the day, guests accessed a range of meaningful services designed to support wellbeing, dignity and confidence. Running alongside West Ham United’s retail shopping experience, and the Foundation’s employability and football activities, local organisations and charities delivered essential services, including: haircuts delivered by Haircuts4Homeless, Newham Family Hub Network offering guidance, a double decker bus from Change Please providing dental review and financial advice, in addition to catering and training services from Beyond Food, The Foundry’s E6 Kitchen partner.
Men’s and women’s first team players got behind the event, and Shelina Zadorsky, Amber Tysiak and Seraina Piubel provided a warm welcome via video message from the training ground to guests and volunteers as they arrived. Similarly, Tomáš Souček and Konstantinos Mavropanos, were on-hand at the event alongside Club Ambassador Anton Ferdinand, to offer encouragement, and hear personal stories.
Volunteers from Goldman Sachs also played a vital role, lending their time and compassion to assist guests, run support stations, and helping to create a sense of connection and community throughout the day.
In addition to Hammers for Hope, the West Ham United Foundation is providing a night shelter every Saturday. This sees 15 rough sleepers, referred by local charity, NEWdawn, private access to The Foundry where they can receive showers, food and drinks, a warm bed and holistic support through the coldest months of the year.
CEO of the West Ham United Foundation, Joseph Lyons said:
“The Foundry exists to make sure our community feels seen, supported and valued – and today is a reflection of that purpose in action. Events like this are about dignity, connection and making sure people know they are not facing difficult circumstances alone. We are proud to stand with our community and to continue providing support that is not just meaningful in the moment, but part of a longer journey of hope, opportunity and belonging.”
Fred, a guest at the event, commented:
“I love what West Ham Football Club is doing. I met the volunteers, had a chat with them, played some games. They were so lovely, caring, and kind.
“It’s made my day. I’ve gone out, met new friends, chatted with people, and learned a bit about this place [The Foundry]. The day is about unity – bringing the community together and making sure everybody participates.”
West Ham United Club Ambassador, Anton Ferdinand said:
“West Ham has always believed in looking after our own – and that extends far beyond football. Today has been about listening to people, understanding their stories and making sure they know they matter. That’s what community is. That’s what this Club represents.”
