A Harold Hill hostel which has undergone a £1 million refurbishment reopened on Friday.
Abercrombie House, on Bridgwater Road, has experienced its first make-over since the 1960s.
The former children’s home, which has been the subject of renovation work since April 2012, now has a new wiring system, a new heating system and a training room where residents can receive support and advice.
Cllr Lesley Kelly, cabinet member for housing, officially opened the modernised house.
She said: “I’m really pleased we have been able to do this.
“The hostel is not luxurious, but it is clean, warm, dry and it’s a safe place for people to stay.
“In this day and age, people lose their homes often through no fault of their own and, particularly if they have children, it must be devastating.”
Abercrombie House and Will Perrin Court in Hornchurch are the only hostels in Havering, after three were closed down.
They can house up to 160 people altogether.
Cllr Kelly added: “Centres such as this play an important role in our communities, supporting local people that are going through a very difficult time.
“We want to help people get back on their feet quickly.”
The project is part of the Harold Hill Ambitions Programme.
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