The Whitechapel Mission has been serving the homeless and marginalised since the 1870's – 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.

This winter is guaranteed to be unlike any other. What might sleeping rough this winter ook like in a coronavirus world? 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.

We are expecting to see a higher number of people sleeping on our streets this winter. A large number of people were found a hotel space for Christmas, but will return to the streets this week. (05/01/2021)

We will be open throughout the winter, to ensure that everybody in need of hot food, showers, clothing, advice and safety will have somewhere to go.

Planning your harvest service/assembly? The Whitechapel Mission is always grateful to receive any donations in support of our work. We are looking for food items that will be useful in our work with homeless people, and we will be grateful to receive.

If you are planning a harvest collection/service/assembly, then maybe you would consider partnering with the Whitechapel Mission where your gifts will be given without charge to those people in need.

• Food - Non-perishable, bulk, and staple items (dry and canned) are best, but we are usually able to accept even prepared foods, as long as it is fresh with the packaging intact. Cooked and prepared food can only be accepted if the preparation, cooking, storage and transportation meets with Food Standard Aurthority conditions.
• Natasha's Law - On 1st October 2021, the UK Food Information Amendment also known as Natasha’s Law will come into effect in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to help better safeguard food allergy sufferers. This means, if you wish to donate pre-packaged food or drink, then we will need you to include a full ingredient declaration on pack with allergens highlighted in bold. We will not be able to accept pre-packaged foods and drinks that do not have a full ingredient declaration.
• Clothing - Clean, new and gently used clothing of all types is helpful. Large sizes are especially helpful. We are always in need of new underwear/t-shirts and socks, new and gently used jeans and shoes, and professional clothing for those looking for work or re-entering the workforce. In the winter, we are especially in need of warm outerwear: coats, jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves.
• Toiletries - new razors, toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, hand cream, shampoo. Many of our guests will come though our doors each morning looking to have a wash, clean their teeth and a shave. More than 75 people a day will want to have a shower and choose clean clothing.
• Linens - We are always in need of bath towels, hand towels, face cloths, twin-size sheets and blankets, and sleeping bags. We are not able to use Duvets and Pillows
• Furniture - We cannot accept furniture, as we simply do not have the storage space.

We remain open and serving

The Whitechapel Mission has been serving the homeless and marginalised since the 1870's – 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.

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.

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 of hot food, showers, clothing, advice and safety will have somewhere to go.