It all started when I was evicted by my landlord. I usually work, pay my own rent, go to the gym, but when I was made homeless
“Before I was sleeping rough, I had a really good job working in Costa Rica. I had a wonderful life, money, a nice home, a nice boyfriend… up until August 2020. I lost my job because of Covid and I was stranded in Costa Rica for 5 months. Everything went downhill so quickly. I think […]
“Hello, my name is Mario. I’ve been coming to the Whitechapel Mission for approximately 6 or 7 years to get breakfast but recently I’ve been coming more during the coronavirus as I’ve needed some further help. During the virus, the Mission has been my absolute rock. The Whitechapel Mission has been brilliant at supporting with […]
As The Whitechapel Mission cares for an increasing number of our most vulnerable guests during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, we remain committed to the health, safety and well-being of all. Our guests who are experiencing homelessness don’t have the option to “stay at home” to avoid risk to themselves or others — so we are reliant […]
Our Aim To support, encourage and assist people who are homeless and social exclusion people, regardless of background, to improve their lives, by equipping them with skills sustain tenancies, employment and integration into the wider community. Objectives Devise and deliver a programme of basic computer skills over the year, based on identified individual needs. To […]
Danish Crown is a global meat producer and supplier, specialising in pork and beef. The Danish Crown Group has recently outlined new Sustainability goals with the mission statement of ‘Feeding the World’. In the face of this global crisis, the hospitality industry is facing very perilous times. As food producers, we have a responsibility to […]
Working alongside @SSAFA @CardboardCitz @Providence_Row @crisis_uk “The ladder to success” event to bring together services from across the borough and sector in the hope of offering even more. The Whitechapel Mission has been serving the homeless and marginalised for over 140 years – and our daycentre services of food, clothing, showers and shelter are well known […]
Most people do get those Monday morning blues; but it’s the day our staff and volunteers look forward to most. Our advice room is open for all to access, we can help with most things that come our way, whether it be finding a bed for someone that night, helping with the changes in the benefit […]
@LushLtd @truebritlondon and @RitualCosmetics supporting our “New Year, New You” Day. Of course it is always about trying to find more appropriate, affordable housing, support structures and advice and advocacy for the people on the streets and those insecurely housed. But, there is far more to our work than just a hot meal or a shower. […]
The Whitechapel Mission have been helping Londoners to help the homeless since 1876, meeting the specific needs of each man and woman who walks through our doors. First, we help the homeless by meeting immediate needs: food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. In our recovery programs, we address deeper needs for life-skills and job skills […]
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP is urging more people to get tested for TB as part of his campaign to raise awareness of the disease, which is more prevalent in London than any other capital in Western Europe. Today his TB ambassador, award-winning actress Emma Thompson and her son Tindy Agaba visited a […]
As the shower refurbishment is now complete, we start on the restrooms. Funding for these works is now secured and work begins on Monday morning The toilet facilities are an important part of our service provision, and not only as a normal facility. For those sleeping rough the use of a bathroom offers the dignity and privacy, […]
Men’s showers are available Monday to Friday from 7:30am until 9:30am, with an opportunity to choose replacement clothing after taking a shower. We always ensure a sufficient amount of clothing in an attempt to allow individuals to pick and choose the clothing they would like to wear. We take for granted the choice we have […]
Last year, 112,070 people declared themselves homeless in England – a 26% increase in four years. At the same time, the number of people sleeping rough in London grew by 75% to a staggering 6,437. Why? A £7bn cut in housing benefit, welfare reforms and a huge lack of affordable housing Jon HenleyThe Guardian, Wednesday […]
At some point when walking through the streets in London, you will no doubt be accosted by someone asking for a “bit of change please”. It is a personal choice for us and mostly I will not give money to a stranger but rather buy him food or a cup of tea, what ever their […]
First published at Spitalfields Life by the gentle author Seen for the first time in over a century, these are a series of portraits taken around 1900 at the Working Lads Institute, known today as the Whitechapel Mission. After my first visit with Colin O’Brien to take portraits at the Mission on Easter Tuesday, […]
by the gentle author At dawn on Easter Tuesday, while most of the world was still sleeping, Contributing Photographer Colin O’Brien & I paid a visit to the Whitechapel Mission which has been caring for the homeless and needy since 1876. The original building, constructed as the “Working Lads Institute” in 1885, still stands next […]
Thursdays is always a productive day here at the Mission. It is the day Marina from Job Centre Plus visits. (sadly, she is very camera shy and doesn’t like any sort of publicity so there is no photo I’m afraid). Our guys can sometimes have a tough time sorting out their benefits, they do not cope […]
Every cloud and silver linings spring to mind. I know this to be a true statement after today. Todays cloud – Unfortunately today’s volunteers were unable to make it. Our silver lining – are the ex-servicemen of New Belvedere House. About 25% of the people who use the centre are ex-servicemen, an astounding figure really when you think […]
A huge thank you to the volunteers from Barclays Corporate. What a unbelievable difference a smile makes. you were fabulous! Exactly what we were looking for. We have always been aware that many of our visitors each morning come into the Mission in need of a hot shower, clean clothing and a hot breakfast. Others to be able to have a […]