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Conway House, where three men died |
Three die within
a month at ‘ghetto of hopelessness’
Hostel tragedies spark call for more resources
THE tragic deaths of three homeless men within a month has cast a shadow over Christmas at one of Camden’s largest hostels.
John Andain, 55, Joao Rodriguez, 33, and Henry Bodarenko, 52, all died from alcohol and drug-related problems at Conway House, in Quex Road, Kilburn. Hostel residents are now calling for an urgent review of the help offered to residents with long-term drink and drugs problems.
Phil Burke, who has been at the centre for three months, said staff and hostel residents had been devastated by the tragedies. “These places have become ghettoes of despair and hopelessness, and it has been very distressing for people who live here,” he added.
He said there was a feeling the hostel needed more resources to meet the challenges facing staff. “We all feel the centre needs more help to stop such tragedies,” he said. “Henry had many friends and we were all very upset by what has happened.”
Irish Centre Housing took over the 98-bed hostel in 1976. Conway House has been expanded over the years, with a wing being added in the 1980s. Redevelopment plans, yet to be confirmed, would provide individual rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a revamped canteen and kitchens where residents could develop cooking skills. Currently some bedrooms are shared by two people.
ICH wants to open up the hostel so it can be used by neighbours.
The charity was awarded three green lights – the maximum rating – by an independent inspector in February and has been praised for its work.
ICH chief executive Antonia Watson has extended her sympathies to the friends of the three men, and outlined the problems staff face at Conway.
She said: “Both Mr Andain and Mr Bodarenko were reluctant to accept medical help on various occasions, and had discharged themselves from hospital before.”
Staff called an ambulance for Mr Bodarenko at 5pm on the day he died, but he refused to go with paramedics. An ambulance was called again at about 9pm, but it was too late to save his life.
Mr Andain had lived in the hostel for a year, while Mr Bodarenko had been there for 18 months. Ideally residents’ maximum stay at the hostel is two years.
Ms Watson said Mr Rodriguez did not inform staff of his drug problems, while Mr Andain and Mr Bodarenko were both reliant on long-term supported accommodation.
According to Ms Watson, both needed meals to be made for them, and help to ensure their behaviour was managed. She added: “Their support needs were very high and required long-term help.” |
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