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 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.