Leicester’s largest homeless hostel has celebrated 20 years of helping thousands of people move from crisis to stability.
Partners from across the city gathered at the Dawn Centre on Conduit Street to mark the milestone and reflect on its role as a place of safety and support since opening in 2006.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
The event brought together members of Leicester’s Homelessness Charter, councillors, staff past and present, partner organisations and residents. Guests were welcomed by housing director Chris Burgin, with speeches from city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, Revd Alison Adams, chair of the Homelessness Charter, and Paschal Bagonza, a former resident who now works at the centre.
Originally offering emergency overnight accommodation, the Dawn Centre has evolved into a specialist, trauma-informed hub providing coordinated support to help people rebuild their lives. It now operates as a multi-agency service, offering housing advice, healthcare and specialist support under one roof.
The centre currently provides 46 en-suite rooms and 19 emergency spaces, including dedicated provision for women, and serves as a base for outreach teams supporting rough sleepers across the city.
Mr Bagonza said the service had been life-changing. “The Dawn Centre provided me with security when I had nowhere else to turn,” he said. “Now I’m working here to offer the same care to others.”
Deputy city mayor for housing Cllr Elly Cutkelvin said the anniversary was a chance to recognise the commitment of staff supporting “one of the most misunderstood and marginalised groups in society”.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Sir Peter Soulsby said homelessness remained a growing national challenge but praised the centre’s partnership approach, which has gained national recognition as a model of good practice.
Revd Alison Adams added that collaboration across organisations in Leicester was key to tackling homelessness and ensuring people with lived experience help shape services.
During the event, a special award was presented to recognise the contribution of staff, volunteers and partner organisations over the past two decades.
