Goran’s garden a calm space to relax at Founders House

A resident at a Salvation Army Lifehouse (hostel) who was previously homeless is recovering from the trauma of sleeping on the streets and rebuilding his life through transforming a shared outdoor space into a garden with sculptures and plants.

Goran (60) has been living in Founders House in Tower Hamlets, London since early 2024 having become homeless when he could no longer work and afford his rent. Founders House Lifehouse provides accommodation and a safe, supportive environment for men aged 18 and over who are experiencing homelessness. 

Now, as a way of giving back, Goran is turning a disused outside space into a sculpture garden for all the Lifehouse residents to enjoy. 

Goran said: “The chaplain here asked if anyone would be interested in creating a garden, so I volunteered to do it as I find gardening therapeutic. I also wanted to give something back to The Salvation Army for the help I have had. I feel safe and welcome here.” 

“I liked being able to use my imagination when I was thinking about what I could do with the space. I have had lots of positive comments from other residents and staff here as people find the garden a relaxing space to be in. I feel proud of what I’ve done.” 

Goran also had a desire to be sustainable as a lot of what he has used to build the garden has been repurposed. He has built fencing from pallets that were used for food deliveries, and he very creatively used some old towels a local hotel was getting rid to make a bird bath using a mix of cement and sand to hold it all together!

The Salvation Army features prominently as Goran has dug a space for plants supplied by The Salvation Army in the shape of the church and charity’s Red Shield and is also building a statue of one of the founders of The Salvation Army, William Booth. 

“I’m in the garden at least every second day watering the plants, there are a few different kinds, so it takes me a while. I was inspired to build a statue for the garden after one of the staff members here joked that I should! I haven’t done something like that before so I decided the statue would be of William Booth as I’d seen the one of him in Tower Hamlets. A local business was getting rid of some marble that I’ve been able to use for the statue which will also be made of concrete.”

Goran is also a keen cook, and he makes soup weekly for the residents in Founders House to enjoy. 

Service Manager at Founders House, Matt Chisem said: “Many of our residents have experienced trauma in their lives and the new garden brings a sense of tranquillity to the service. Goran has been brilliant in using his creativity and dedication to provide a calm and welcoming space for people to relax in. We are very thankful to him for giving his time and skills to build something that will benefit residents and staff for years to come. 

“We have over 100 residents at Founders House from all walks of life and we work to help them get back on the road to independent living. This support includes help to engage with The Salvation Army’s Debt Advice service and our Employment Plus team.”

Looking to the future, Goran is keen to find work as a plumber or electrician as he has previous experience in both these areas. He in regular contact with the local job centre. 

The Salvation Army’s supported accommodation hostels are called Lifehouses because they not only provide a safe space to stay but also counselling and practical support to address the causes of homelessness and help people to rebuild their lives.