A pathway from hostel to home
Fat Macy’s is a social enterprise that supports people to move on from temporary accommodation through culinary and hospitality training, 1:1 support and access to a rental deposit.
Temporary accommodation is rarely temporary
Residents in hostels and other supported temporary accommodation face a financial cliff-edge when they work over a certain number of hours. If they work more they rapidly lose their housing benefit and must pay high rates of rent or service fees.
Some supported temporary accommodation providers do not allow residents to work more than part-time hours, meaning working more can lead to eviction. This catch-22 forces residents to choose between risking rent arrears or eviction, or working minimal hours at the cost of saving a rental deposit.
The programme
Through our work experience programme, trainees learn valuable skills and experience, learning alongside the professional chefs and front of house teams in our restaurant and catering business. Trainees are supported by their Progression Officer who provides 1:1 coaching, based on their individual needs, around navigating challenges, harnessing their strengths and building their confidence.
After 200 hours, trainees can access a Housing Deposit Grant to put down a deposit on rented accommodation – with ongoing support around the transition into independent living. Our graduates continue to receive up to two years 1:1 support after they have moved into private rented accommodation.
By providing a pathway into employment and the support to build a life that everyone deserves, we are helping to break the cycle of homelessness in the UK.
Our food businesses
Sohaila
In the heart of bustling Shoreditch, Sohaila is a natural wine bar and Lebanese-inspired restaurant.
Fat Macy's Catering
Since 2016 we’ve been catering events across London, delivering hand-crafted menus prepared by our trainees and professional chefs.
Lexington Cafe
In 2023, we opened our cafe in collaboration with Lexington in Marylebone, providing breakfast and lunch.
“It’s charming, the food is great and at its heart is a noble purpose”
Jay Rayner on Sohaila. Read more
Our impact
Our support is different for everyone we work with. For some its help with getting back into work, for others it's building confidence and new skills.
We’ve provided thousands of hours of training and 1:1 support, and saved thousands in housing deposits. We have dozens of graduates who are taking the next steps in moving into private rented accommodation.
