Homeless charity prepares to open self-funded cafe

Annabel Amos & Alex Pope
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Project 16:15 The inside of a cafe, showing tables chairs, with a counter, a brown door open, a large window and green walls. The flood is wood effect. Project 16:15
Project 16:15 have been preparing to open Cafe 16:15 for several months

A homeless charity is putting the final preparations in place to open a new self-funded cafe to expand its support for those in need.

Project 16:15 will open the eatery in Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire, at midday on Saturday.

Founder Stan Robertson, a former rough sleeper, said Cafe 16:15 has been part of his vision since the charity was created in 2017.

He said funds from selling items like jacket potatoes, macaroni cheese and salads would leave the group less reliant on donations.

Rob Constantin/BBC Stan Robinson, standing outside a building, wearing a purple top, with his chin up, looking at the camera. He has on black glasses, has short hair and a grey beard. Rob Constantin/BBC
Stan Robinson said he had spent weeks cleaning the building to make sure it was ready to open

Mr Robertson, who is recovering from a recent stroke, said it secured £20,000 in lottery funding to establish the site.

"It's part of my vision to have a facility that helps funds what we do, as apposed to being totally reliant on people's donations all the time, because people can't afford it."

It will serve beverages and food, Monday to Friday from 10:00 - 15:00, and will be run by volunteers.

"It's not a huge space, it's big enough for us to manage, it's the next step we've wanted to do for some time."

Project 16:15 A cafe, with colourful tables and chairs outside, boxed to the right and a large wooden window, with Cafe 16:15 written on the glass. Project 16:15
The cafe will open in Hamblin Court, just off Rushden High Street, on Saturday

He said it can fit about 15 people inside, and 12 outside and will be free of charge for small groups to use on Saturdays.

It will also be part of the Chatty Cafe Scheme, where lonely people can come for company and conversation.

"There will be no fry-ups, it's not a greasy spoon," he added.

Prices have been set for each item, but there are "suggested donations" for some items to help people who might be struggling, he added.

The charity will also still run its mobile food truck, that hands out free breakfasts to homeless people on a Sunday morning in Northampton.

Project 16:15 A truck with the side open showing lots of breakfast foods in the middle of a town square. Project 16:15
Project 16:15 will continue to hand out free breakfasts for homeless people in Northampton, from its truck, on a Sunday morning

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