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Hackney Migrant Centre Annual Report 2016
‘Coming to Hackney Migrant Centre was the first time I ate properly. I was cold, and it felt like I had come to a warm place. The centre gave me expenses of £20 and it felt like a million – I had nothing. After just two weeks I became involved at the centre, working in the kitchen. I had been a business man so I had no experience of kitchen work, but I learnt on the job! The food is from donations – we make one meat and one vegetarian dish for visitors. Working here was a good support – it made me feel stronger. Before I was desperate – I felt abandoned. I now have a job, but whatever I do I plan to continue working in this kitchen, and giving back to Hackney Migrant Centre.’
josecharles Jose-Charles came to London from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2012, where he was imprisoned for his political activities. Because of issues with his asylum claim, Jose-Charles had absolutely no income for six months. He now manages our kitchen at the drop-in and is a member of our board of trustees.