ABBAS, data manager The numbers tell a really interesting story. The charity has grown steadily to meet a growing need, and we can show how our approach is working. Expand Abbas manages all income and expenditure along with the data in relation to guests, volunteers and donors. Recently described as the "beating heart of the charity", Abbas is the name you will hear in the office when someone is asking for help.
ALICIA, fundraising manager (trusts and foundations) I’ve been really fortunate to see the impact of Glass Door’s work from different angles – as a volunteer, an overnight worker and as a member of the office team. I’m delighted now to be helping raise the vital funds we need to support those most in need. Expand Since 2005, Alicia Feetham has volunteered regularly in the night shelters one night a week. In the winter of 2018, she joined the staff as a member of the overnight shelter team in Richmond. As well as over 12 years' experience in the fundraising sector, Alicia boasts extensive knowledge of children's literature, speaks fluent French and is well-versed in African textiles. Alicia now looks after our valuable relationships with trusts and foundations, helping to raise vital funds for Glass Door's front-line programs. As a part-time member of staff, Alicia is usually in the office Tuesdays to Fridays. email: [email protected]
ANDREW, caseworker Everyone at Glass Door is knowledgeable, respectful and dedicated. That’s what makes it a special place to work. Expand Andrew joined Glass Door as a caseworker in November 2020. Living in the US city of Seattle, Washington, Andrew recalls feeling it was mere luck that separated his situation from that of the local rough sleeping population. Andrew worked at a homeless shelter in Seattle before moving to the UK and continuing as a caseworker, most recently at Ace of Clubs. In his role at Glass Door, Andrew helps guests address challenges that are preventing them from meeting their potential and assists them into safe and secure housing. When he isn’t busy helping others, Andrew enjoys reading non-fiction books and watching documentary films. He also has a passion for dissonant music.
ANNA, migrant project manager Everyone has the right to live with dignity and respect, and access to secure and stable housing are important components. We can and must do better as a society, but until then, Glass Door catches people who have fallen through the safety net. Expand Anna Yassin leads on advice and advocacy for undocumented migrants and those with no recourse to public funds. She co-coordinates the Women’s Group, a weekly drop in for homeless and vulnerably housed self-identifying women. Anna has a Master of Law with distinction in Human Rights from Birkbeck, University of London and is fluent in both English and Polish.
BETHANY, finance and administration assistant I love knowing that the job I do makes a difference. At Glass Door, we see the direct impact of our work on the lives of those affected by homelessness every day. Expand Bethany helps with the smooth running of Glass Door’s finance and administrative processes to ensure that we are working efficiently and effectively. She studied English, Art and Textiles at school before joining the charity sector. Bethany’s experience is wide-ranging, and she’s worked for a number of charities including World Vision and Teenage Cancer Trust. She’s currently looking to broaden her experience further and is studying for an HR qualification that will enhance the HR aspect of her role at Glass Door. Ever the learner, in her spare time over lockdown, Bethany taught herself the piano.
BOGUSLAW, joint head of casework Glass Door services are open-access, meaning no one is excluded just because of where they are from or what their life may have been. Our guests are already on the margins, and if we don’t help them, no one will. Expand Boguslaw Szewczyk looks after guests in the Wandsworth circuit, using his language skills and experience to help individuals find a way back into housing. He came to the UK in the 90s for a master’s degree in Post-Colonial studies at Goldsmith’s College and went on to become a researcher at Choice International. While taking on a second job as an overnight project worker for Glass Door, he met his future fiancée Karina and found a passion for working with the homeless, which led to his appointment in 2012 as a caseworker. A qualified FA coach, Boguslaw has also led teams of staff, volunteers and guests in footballing training sessions.
CAROLINE, guest services officer What motivates me is knowing that I’ve made a difference. Working in such a close team, you’re able to follow the progress of the people we help – and that is incredibly rewarding. Expand When Caroline finished her studies in English Literature at the University of Manchester, she returned to London and worked in the publishing sector. Caroline changed career paths and joined Glass Door in March 2018 where her work centres around the guest services. She manages the shelter registration and spaces within the shelter. She develops guest communications, and is responsible for helping share guest's stories on the website. Caroline's ability to keep the shelters running rhythmically might be due to her musical abilities: she's also a keen drummer.
CHANDNI, tenancy support caseworker Everyone has the right to better themselves and their situation. This charity gives everyone that opportunity and treats individuals fairly. Expand Chandni Patel joined the team in April 2019 as a tenancy support caseworker. Chandni's job involves keeping in touch with guests who have been housed to help make sure they stay in accommodation. Before joining Glass Door, she was as an outreach worker and helped link rough sleepers to resources in the boroughs of Brent and Harrow. In her spare time, Chandni enjoys watching Bollywood films and performs as a Bollywood dancer at events.
CONOR, admin officer A lot of organisations cite ‘inclusivity’ as a core value but I see every day how Glass Door exceptionally stands out in living up to this ethos. Expand Conor joined Glass Door as an office volunteer in 2019 and continued on as our admin officer in 2020. He enjoys getting stuck in wherever he is needed around the office and mans the office phone and intercom in his characteristic upbeat and welcoming style. He got involved with Glass Door after several years volunteering for Crisis at Christmas and brings a variety of skills to the role following six years working in the hospitality sector and for mental health organisations. When he isn’t fielding Glass Door emails and calls, Conor is a keen amateur actor and composer. He plays an impressive seven musical instruments and rocks the bass in a prog-grunge band.
CORIN, volunteering officer I am proud to work for an organisation that supports some of the most marginalised people, and where volunteers play a really valuable role in making that possible. Expand Corin joined Glass Door in July 2020 after working in volunteer engagement for Prostate Cancer UK and managing projects in Ghana for International Citizen Service. She ensures our volunteers’ experience with us is the best it can be by honing our training, supporting night shelter volunteers and finding new volunteer opportunities. Last year Corin trained as a mental health first aider and brings skills in empathy and sensitivity to the role. When she isn’t running the London marathon or catching the latest play at the West End, Corin enjoys swimming in Hampstead Heath’s ponds. She also has a pet tortoise called Tonks.
ELLIE, fundraising manager (events, community and corporate) I was drawn to Glass Door partly because of its open access policy. Everyone should have the chance to find a warm welcome and access support when they need it most. Expand Ellie organises Glass Door’s fundraising events, including the annual Sleep Out, and oversees community fundraising and corporate support. She is motivated by making a positive impact on the world, which is why she has worked in the charity sector her whole career. After the hectic build up to an event, Ellie finds it rewarding to sit back and take stock, knowing that her hard work will make a difference to someone else’s life. In her spare time, Ellie is a keen pub quizzer, enjoys cooking up a storm in the kitchen (with mixed results) and loves travelling.
GEMMA, caseworker I am inspired by the creativity in the world and how even in a time of climate change, political unrest and utter turmoil there is always hope. There are solutions to be found when we work together. Expand Gemma joined Glass Door in September 2019 as a caseworker in Richmond. She received a BA in History from the University of York and then a Graduate Diploma in Law from City, University of London. After years of experience at a Legal Aid Firm and charities including Hopscotch Asian Women's Centre, Haringey Migrant Centre and the Upper Room, Gemma noticed people falling through the cracks of the system. She became inspired to make a difference long term and change the system which allows for entrenched homelessness. In her spare time, Gemma enjoys international cuisine, classic films and playing the piano.
GEOFF, operations manager What appeals to me most about Glass Door is that it is open to everyone. That allows us to support individuals who can't find help anywhere else. Expand Geoff Ball is responsible for the day by day running of the night shelters and is the first point of contact for all issues related to shelter logistics and operations. Before starting with Glass Door in 2011, Geoff had volunteered for many years with homeless charities alongside a day job in publishing. Geoff says he now relishes being able to put his operational skills to work helping others find solutions to end their homelessness. Behind a calm demeanour lies a secret adrenaline junkie: Geoff has logged multiple hours jumping out of planes.
JASMIINA, caseworker Glass Door empowers people to take control over their lives. I am inspired by the transformative impact this can have. Expand Jasmiina joined Glass Door as a Caseworker in November 2019. In her previous role as an advocate, Jasmiina supported older people to access health, social care and housing services. She joined Glass Door to build on this experience and because she strongly believes that safety and privacy through housing is a fundamental right. She comes from Finland and moved to Wales when she was 17 with a scholarship to study at the United World College of the Atlantic. In her spare time, Jasmiina loves cooking, yoga and folk music, particularly sea shanties.
JAY, employability coordinator Glass Door focuses on the individual, not just the end result. We aim to help guests along their own path as they try to move beyond homelessness. Expand Since joining the team in October 2016, Jason Barnett helps guests find their way back into work by assisting with CV writing, advice on job interviews and more. Jay first worked as a sports reporter for several local newspapers before becoming a press officer for Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. He then changed tack, gaining a BA in Sociology and Politics and an MA in British and European Politics before working as a training consultant for a variety of charitable organisations. He spent a decade in the Welfare to Work sector, giving him vast experience working with vulnerable individuals.
JOE, caseworker The one thing I would like to change is the notion of ‘us’ vs ‘them’. I believe diversity adds spice to humanity and should be celebrated! Expand Before joining Glass Door in October 2018, Joe Tucker worked in a variety of roles supporting vulnerable individuals. He has a degree in Social Anthropology and Criminology and is currently completing a Masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Joe says his own life experiences--which include being internally displaced by war and later a refugee in different foreign countries and homeless himself for a period of time--helped solidify his resolve to advocate for homeless and vulnerable people.
JONATHAN, senior finance & resources manager Glass Door's emphasis on compassion, open access and demonstrable success really inspire me. Expand Jonathan Low joined Glass Door in autumn 2020 after more than 20 years in audit and finance with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Petrofac, a service provider to the energy industry. Prior to this, he graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a 1st class degree in accountancy and economics and qualified as a chartered accountant. When he isn’t juggling finance, human resources, data management and office management for Glass Door, Jonathan is out on the field for Leftfooters, an LGBT football club based in Camden. He also enjoys travel and playing the keyboard.
KIRSTY, fundraising officer I feel incredibly inspired by working for a homeless charity with an open door policy. The funds our supporters raise help people with nowhere else to turn. Expand As the fundraising officer, Kirsty looks after all our wonderful events participants, including marathon runners and triathletes, as well as our fantastic community fundraisers. Kirsty knew from early on that she wanted to work in the charity sector and volunteered for various charities during her time at university. She is motivated by positive social change and the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live. Outside of work, you’ll either find her watching a show in the West End, at a concert, or reading a good book. If you have an idea for a fundraising event or community project, please contact Kirsty. [email protected]
LUCY, chief executive officer (CEO) No one individual has the whole answer. But by drawing on everyone's expertise, together we can make a positive difference in people's lives. Expand Lucy Horitz joined Glass Door Homeless Charity as Chief Operating Officer in September 2018 and became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in June 2020. Before joining Glass Door, Lucy spent five years at the National Audit Office leading audit teams as a qualified Chartered Accountant, and volunteered serving breakfast at the Passage in her spare time. Previously, Lucy worked at a variety of charities in fundraising and operations, including the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and Chance to Shine. She holds a first class degree in Politics and Philosophy from the University of York and has been a keen cricket player for nearly 20 years. She opens the batting for her local team, though these days she prefers the social matches. Read Lucy's blog about her first three months in office.
MATT, head of operations When I joined the team, I was immediately impressed by how committed everyone was to providing the very best service to shelter guests. Expand Two weeks after completing an international mission in Syria in 2017, Matt joined Glass Door as an overnight shelter worker. Then he went on to become a shelter manager and act as the first point of call for the 35 guests staying in Wandsworth. Now Matt brings his expertise in logistics to the role of operations manager, having spent nine months coordinating humanitarian operations in Iraq and six months organising a network of ambulances and a hospital for in Northern Syria. When he isn’t helping plan our shelters, Matt can be found in Brazilian jiu-jitsu training or watching ice hockey.
MEGAN, service development manager I feel lucky to be able to apply my talents to a really interesting role that helps some of the most vulnerable people in society. Expand Megan joined Glass Door in July 2019 as the Service Development Manager. After her degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of York, she spent the next seven years working in volunteer development, project management, equality and diversity, and supporter care at charities Macmillan Cancer Support and Scope. Her role at Glass Door holds responsibility for service design, development and growth, and relationships with partner organisations and night shelters. In her spare time, Megan learns British Sign Language and crafts, from macramé to knitting.
MELISSA, head of communications Behind every statistic on homelessness are men and women with complex stories. At Glass Door, we help them rewrite the next chapter. Expand Melissa Kerschen oversees communications—including the development of digital channels, publications, public engagement and brand building—at Glass Door. Before joining the staff team, Melissa served as a night shelter volunteer and as a trustee for the charity. Melissa has an MA in writing from Johns Hopkins University, a background in journalism and is a self-professed photoshop- and inDesign-geek. She has dual American-UK citizenship and has lived in London since 2002. Get in touch with Melissa if you are a member of the press or would like more information or materials about Glass Door. email [email protected]
MICHELLE, caseworker I love hearing people’s stories and playing a part in changing someone's circumstances for the better. Expand Michelle helps guests of our shelters find their way out of homelessness. Before joining Glass Door in October 2018, she assisted people in supported accommodation who had mental health and substance abuse issues. She now works as a caseworker in Chelsea and is a fundamental part of running the women's group. Michelle also seeks out the adrenaline rush: she’s skied, skydived, and surfed.
MIKAELA, communications officer I want to help give a voice to those who too often feel invisible and ignored. Expand Mikaela joined the Glass Door team in December 2020, following previous communications roles at veteran and children’s cancer charities. While spending many weekends volunteering at homeless shelters and food banks, Mikaela realised that she wanted to dedicate herself to the cause full time. With an English Literature degree from Cambridge University and a deep compassion for those facing homelessness, Mikaela is well placed to tell stories about Glass Door’s work sensitively and authentically. In her spare time, she’s either cooking, reading or listening to music – even better if it’s live!