Posted12.10.23
Interview with Sahr, night concierge at Palmer House
Working the night shift at Palmer House is far from your ordinary 9-to-5 gig. It’s a role that demands resilience, empathy, and adaptability. We interviewed Sahr Senesie, a dedicated night concierge worker to find out a bit more about his role and what it’s like to provide support to our customers during the night-time hours.
Sahr joined Evolve three years ago and is based at Palmer House, in Croydon. His journey into this line of work was motivated by personal experiences. He understands the challenges that many of our customers face, having once been homeless himself. This first-hand understanding helps him to connect with those he supports.
“Night-time at Evolve is when our customers, many of whom have nocturnal behaviour patterns, truly come alive. It’s when they feel most comfortable and active, and observing their night-time behaviours has taught me so much about our customers and their needs.
Working nights provides me with a unique opportunity to connect with our customers when they need me the most. It’s a time when they feel more at ease, and it’s my responsibility to ensure they have a safe and comfortable environment.
The night-time can be unpredictable, and unexpected incidents are not uncommon. To stay awake and alert, I engage with the customers, having conversations that sometimes take intriguing turns. I also rely on our security cameras to monitor the situation. Staying alert and assessing risks is essential for making quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
You need to be on top of your game during the night shift. Being proactive, treating everyone fairly, and consistently applying the rules to all customers are essential. It’s also crucial to be empathetic and as we work with individuals who may have unique characters and needs.
Working as a night concierge means thinking on your feet, often in high-stress situations. From dealing with intoxicated customers to addressing relationship issues or confronting outsiders causing trouble, the job demands quick thinking and effective problem-solving. Being alert and proactive is crucial in these moments.
For anyone considering a career in this field, my advice is to be familiar with the job, stay proactive, and treat everyone with fairness and honesty. I got into this line of work because I’ve experienced homelessness and joblessness myself. It’s a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives and grow as an individual while helping others.”
Sahr’s story a reminds us that sometimes the best support comes from those who’ve been through similar experiences. His dedication to making a positive impact on people’s lives is truly inspiring. It’s a great example of what we’re all about here at Evolve.
To find out more about our work at Palmer House click here.
