Capsule to mark homeless project

The Crossings, on a bank of the River Hull near the city centre, will be run by housing and support agencies Riverside-ECHG and Hull Homeless and Rootless Project (Harp).

Some of the men and women who will live there are being trained to work on the final phase of the building work. They have been invited to bury the capsule, which will feature historical objects and some of their own personal items.

The site has been inhabited by Roman communities, destroyed by Second World War bombs, and played a key role in Hull’s maritime history.

Former victim of homelessness Matthew Smith, who is taking part in the project, said: “We wanted to remember all the history here as well as look to the future that The Crossings will help us have.

“We’ve put in some of our own personal mementoes as this place is going to help change people’s lives for many years to come.”

The Crossings will provide temporary accommodation for forty-six formerly homeless people at any one time and will offer a range of services including college courses and job traineeships, a health facility, an on-site social enterprise community café, where residents will receive catering training and produce and sell their own products, and an allotment.

Riverside-ECHG’s regional manager, Alan Marples, added: “Along with other homeless people, Matthew will be getting his site safety qualifications so he can help with the final internal decorating and fitting out stages at The Crossings.

“We are proud that even before the scheme is finished people will be learning valuable skills that will help them with their futures.”

The Crossings and its community café are due to open this summer.