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

For many of us this may be difficult and uncertain time, with rising fuel costs and higher inflation. The Whitechapel Mission is preparing to see homelessness rates rise and an increased pressure on our services. This current cost of living crisis has the potential to put many people at risk of becoming street homeless.

We have seen the largest increase in rough sleeping for many years, and have seen our workload increase by 25% this year already..

However, we continue to be inspired by the kindness and resilience we see from everybody involved in our work, from our volunteers and staff to the supporters like you who make our work possible.

With your help, we have seen the incredible things that can happen when people come together to help one another. Thank you for being a part of service provision this year. We couldn't do what we do without you.

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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 winter. 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 winter.

We will be open throughout the winter, 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.

Volunteering

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.

During the covid-19 pandemic, our caseload increased by around 40 per cent, as over 7,000 different people used our services. This year, we have seen our workload increase by a further 25% already.

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.