As The Whitechapel Mission cares for an increasing number of our most vulnerable guests during covid, 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 on friends like you who choose to give generously.

We are closely monitoring the covid news, as well as pro-actively following the latest guidance from the Government and other community partners. And we are thankful for our supporters who help make it possible to continue our work.

Our response balances the consideration that our guests are highly vulnerable to many challenges. We remain open and serving

As the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in all communal night shelters having to remain closed, the number of Winter Night shelters is going to be severely reduced this spring. There will also be strict rules, which will include the need for individual rooms and be able to demonstrate double vaccination before entry.

We are expecting to see a higher number of people sleeping on our streets this spring.

We will be open throughout the spring, to ensure that everybody in need will have somewhere to go.

The welfare and safety of our guests is our most important priority and has been at the forefront of all of our planning and decision making. We meet daily to discuss operating practives to ensure we can keep our guests, staff and volunteers safe.

Volunteers are at the heart of what we do all year round, and this year will be no different. Sadly, because of the changes needed in order to keep everybody safe this year, we will require significantly less volunteers.

Our volunteering diary is now full for Christmas.

The Whitechapel Mission has been serving the homeless and marginalised since 1876 – including a day centre, skills training and career advice, activity programmes and specialist support for complex needs. By encouraging each person to address the issues which caused their homelessness, we help them to gain the skills and confidence to make lasting changes in their lives.

We believe everyone deserves a chance, regardless of their background, race or religion. We are open to all, without exception.

Every day of the year, we welcome the weary faces of men and women facing despair. Many have tried surviving on the streets. Others are encountering homelessness for the first time after losing jobs or facing personal crises. Hundreds of people literally feel that they have nowhere else to turn for help. But through your gifts, you are here for them in their time of need. And we do this without public funding.

We know that we can, and are, making a positive and lasting difference to the people who ask for our help.

The Whitechapel Mission is a charity (registered charity number is: 227905). That means that we do not make any profits or bonuses from the work that we do. All of the money donated to the Whitechapel Mission is used only to help the many people who come to us for help and advice. In the last year, primarily due to covid-19 pandemic, our caseload increased by around 40 per cent, as over 7,000 different people used our services. Without your help and financial support, the Whitechapel Mission would not be able to provide the services that it does. The Trustees of the Whitechapel Mission are very grateful for all the support you offer.