Having been raised just around the corner from Caritas Anchor House, Mark Noble wanted to show his support to the local residential hostel that offers life-skills support for homeless adults.
With one in 24 people in Newham having nowhere to live, providing support for them has been a key part of the club and West Ham United Foundation's work during the pandemic.
West Ham United captain Noble is proud of his upbringing in Canning Town, where the 140-bed facility is based, and wanted to connect personally with the staff and residents being aided by the charity.
Hammers fan Tom has been a resident since October 2019 and says he has been amazed by the help he has received.
"Amazing support"
"Since I've come in here, they've done everything to support me," he told Noble on the call. "They help you look for jobs, with your CVs, everything."
While on the call with Noble, Tom shared his ambition of becoming a football coach and received some first-hand tips plus plenty of encouragement.
"Tom, if you want to be a football coach, you go and be a football coach. Don't let anybody stop you," said Noble, who is approaching his 400th Premier League appearance for the club.
"At 12 years of age, I wanted to be West Ham captain. Did I ever think it would come true? Never. So, give it everything you’ve got, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Don't let anyone dampen your spirit because you can do it, mate."
The charity, which provides a home for more than 250 residents per year, receives ongoing backing from West Ham through the Players' Project, including a recent donation from joint-chairman David Sullivan.
Throughout the pandemic, the club have provided residents with food, clothes, personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitiser and other essential items.
Get involved
West Ham fans can help out, too, explained Caritas Anchor House staff member Naomi Mullings.
"There's a number of small things West Ham fans in the community can do," she said. "From donating to our charity, to volunteering and helping to collect those donations, to help painting our building."
Read more: Support the work of Caritas Anchor House
West Ham have offered ongoing support to its community throughout the pandemic, most recently liaising with local groups to deliver over 200 food and activity packs to families in need across Essex during half-term.
They also partnered with Arsenal and Leyton Orient along with their local National Health Service Trusts on the Advantage programme, created to support young people with mental-health issues caused by the pandemic.
