The hotel closed to the public 24 March 2020, utilizing furlough scheme to secure jobs. During lockdown, Oita kitchen operated delivery and take away only. Launch of ‘Clean and Protect’ a new programme of enhanced cleaning, social distancing measures and services.
HOTEL ACCOMODATION: • initially, free accommodation was offered to NHS staff and other key workers In April 2020 a deal was agreed with Haringey Council to house vulnerable people and people who experience homelessness at heavily discounted rates 36
• Around 90 people have been accommodated between April 2020 - January 2021 • A fridge, washing machine & dryer was placed in the lobby for guests to use • An area with a laptop to check emails and use the internet was set up for guests to use • Hotel staff organised clothes and shoe donations for the guests • Access to the Resident’s Lounge for guests to have private meetings without disturbances • A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money to support us in providing free meals to the guests. £6000 were initially raised with another £2000 pledged later
• Green Rooms provided a free snack area for the guests • Partnership with ‘Edible London’ and ‘With Compassion’ was set up who donated food • With support of Haringey Council and ‘With Compassion’, we hosted a Christmas lunch for guests in house • A dedicated outreach navigator was placed at the hotel by Haringey Council to look after the day to day needs of the guests • Training was given to Green Rooms staff to learn how to support and communicate with people experiencing homelessness.
