ABSTRACT
Let us begin this exploration of the relationship between young homeless people and the city by examining the place where the research took place. Fresh Start is a day centre for young homeless people (hostel residents, street homeless, sofa surfers) or those at risk of becoming homeless. 2 The centre’s ethos is based on the provision of a holistic service, including a drop-in, laundry facilities, a free meal, and advice on housing, health, education, training, and employment. 3 But more than this, for some of the young people who use it, it is an ‘almost home’ space. It is described in the above poem as a haven, providing respite from a ‘hard day’s night’ with food, friendliness, and washing facilities. It also mediates access to accommodation, and it is a place of meeting others, of ‘getting things done.’
