Compliments of the House

1396. Sinead Browne

Sinead, who was homeless after growing up in foster care before receiving a scholarship to train as a lawyer, first launched the charity in 2018 to provide high-quality food leftover from restaurants which otherwise would go to waste, and distributing these donations to people who are homeless or vulnerable. After lockdown for coronavirus forced their communal hub, and many of the businesses they work with, to close, Sinead decided to temporarily transform the charity into a delivery service, with groceries bought from supermarkets, in order to still provide support for those who are vulnerable and self-isolating.

In a personal letter to Sinead, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“I was so inspired to learn of the way you are collecting surplus donations from restaurants closed during the lockdown and delivering them to those in need across South London.

“It is a fantastic example of the kindness and compassion that has united and defined our communities throughout this battle with Coronavirus.

“I applaud, too, the restaurants which have contributed at this difficult time, giving true meaning to the ingenious name of your charity by offering the “Compliments of the House!”

“So allow me to offer you, and everyone involved, the compliments of the country!”

Sinead said:

“As someone who was once homeless but is now in a position to help others I felt it was my duty to create ‘Compliments of The House’. Over the years we have formed friendships and ties with those that visit our hubs and have become a close community. Being able to feed and nourish those in need during this awful and trying pandemic has been an honour. It is also my honour to accept this award and great accolade on behalf of all of my amazing volunteers without whom ‘Compliments of The House’ would not exist and without whom our Community COVID-19 response would not have been the great success that it has been.”

See more about ‘Compliments of the House’ or donate here.