Crisis

Crisis Together we will end homelessness

The national charity for people experiencing homelessness Crisis is the national charity for homeless people.
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We help people directly out of homelessness, and campaign for the changes needed to solve it altogether. We know that together we can end homelessness.

We're rounding off   with Jess who is a Crisis at Christmas volunteer. Last Christmas she spent her shifts sorting out n...
05/06/2026

We're rounding off with Jess who is a Crisis at Christmas volunteer. Last Christmas she spent her shifts sorting out new donated clothing for guests:

"It's super rewarding. It's very obvious that everyone who comes here is really in need of the services that we offer and for selfish reasons I love feeling like I'm doing something good for others. Seeing people go away at the end of the day happier than they arrived, it's such an amazing feeling, and also all the other volunteers are absolutely great. You get to meet loads of other people who are there for exactly the same reasons you are, to support the community, support vulnerable people, and I've made some amazing friends volunteering.

“Doing the clothing at Crisis at Christmas is one of the most rewarding things. I think everyone feels nice when they get a new item of clothing; that's a feeling that we can all relate to; imagine that tenfold when you don't get that choice on a regular basis.”

If this week's stories have inspired you to learn more about volunteering at Crisis, Jess's story was recently featured in the first issue of our Volunteering and Lived Experience Newsletter. This features many stories from Crisis volunteers in our charity shops and Skylight centres - https://bit.ly/4dRjdAg

Nick has been volunteering at our shop in Elephant & Castle for the last two-and-a-half years. A local resident, he had ...
04/06/2026

Nick has been volunteering at our shop in Elephant & Castle for the last two-and-a-half years. A local resident, he had noticed an increasing number of young people sleeping rough and started volunteering as a way of supporting people experiencing homelessness.

But he quickly realised how much he was benefitting himself: he feels more patient and full of understanding and has made good friends. Volunteering in a shop has given Nick hope that we really do have a chance to end homelessness.

“Seeing someone struggle, it just touches you. Maybe I’ve been a bit more fortunate and can give something back. That’s what I’m trying to do. I can’t walk around just giving out money. My time is the only thing I could give back really.

“It is life-changing. It has made me become a better person. I’ve become much more understanding, more patient with people. More engaging with people and anyone I see that’s struggling.”

Our shops are always looking for more help. Interested? https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/

Mercy has been a front desk volunteer at the London Skylight for several years, welcoming people facing homelessness wit...
03/06/2026

Mercy has been a front desk volunteer at the London Skylight for several years, welcoming people facing homelessness with gentle kindness, reassurance, and no judgment.

She was motivated to volunteer by personal experiences of instability, bullying and supporting a close friend through her own experience of homelessness.

“If we show a little bit of compassion, kindness, whatever it is, you can help lift somebody from one place to another. It doesn’t matter how big. You can smile, say hello – anything. These little things, we can all do, just to lift somebody’s mood.

“I handed [a Crisis member] a cup of coffee the other day. He drank it and said, “This is the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had”, with a smile on his face. For me, that puts a smile on my face.

“I might just cry, just by thinking about [my time volunteering]. It’s because it’s been rewarding. I have learned so much about myself, humanity, about society, the injustices going on in the world. We all have the capacity to make time and be there for others, to put our own needs aside sometimes and just show up.

"Volunteering at Crisis has definitely been the best job I’ve ever had, without a doubt.”


It's Volunteering Week and we're using this opportunity to shine a spotlight on our (shy and retiring) volunteers  and f...
02/06/2026

It's Volunteering Week and we're using this opportunity to shine a spotlight on our (shy and retiring) volunteers and find out what impact volunteering has had on their lives.

Paula is a Crisis Community Advocate; one of the people stepping up to help change others' attitudes towards homelessness. The more we build understanding, empathy, and belief that homelessness can be ended, the sooner everyone will have a place to call home.

"The Advocate role felt like an opportunity to learn more, challenge my own assumptions, and help others do the same.

I completed my training with two truly inspirational women from Crisis, Emma and Marcia. Through that experience, I began to better understand the complexity of homelessness—how it isn’t just about rough sleeping, but about a range of circumstances and systemic pressures.

The training also equipped me with the confidence to start conversations with colleagues. Since then, I’ve supported team sessions alongside another Advocate, helping to raise awareness and encourage open discussion.

"What really stands out to me is the ripple effect. If each of those 25 new Advocates goes on to have meaningful conversations within their own teams and local communities, the reach—and the potential impact—is huge. That’s the power of conversation in action."

This Volunteering Week we are training Crisis Community Advocates from across the Financial Professional Services sector to help us on this mission! These advocates will drive conversations that change the narrative about homelessness, increase understanding and awareness of the causes of homelessness and help people understand how it will be ended in the future.

📣 IT'S VOLUNTEERS' WEEK!Crisis could not exist without our army of volunteers – nearly 5,000 of them – who help us throu...
01/06/2026

📣 IT'S VOLUNTEERS' WEEK!

Crisis could not exist without our army of volunteers – nearly 5,000 of them – who help us throughout the year. And Crisis at Christmas would be impossible without the 4,000 volunteers who work shifts over the holidays.

So, although we thank our volunteers constantly, we love when June comes around 'cos then we can tell the world what an amazing group they all are.

Throughout the week we’ll be sharing inspiring volunteer stories and hearing from the volunteers themselves about how it feels to be part of a movement to end homelessness.

Our first story is from Charlene, who volunteers at our shop in Camberwell.

“Everyone who works at the shop is so nice – the team is lovely – and I always look forward to seeing them and having a cup of tea together. I know that whatever happens, they have my back and will support me if I need it. They really believe in me and give me the chance to try new things.

“Being a volunteer here means you’re part of a community, both with the other volunteers and with the customers. It means a lot to come here, feel part of something so warm, and contribute to something important.”

To all our volunteers – thank you for standing with us, for believing in a future without homelessness, and for being such an essential part of the Crisis community. Your dedication does not go unnoticed and it is deeply appreciated, this week and always.

Coldplay fans, we’ve got something really special for you 💙We’re giving you the chance to win a piece of music history: ...
29/05/2026

Coldplay fans, we’ve got something really special for you 💙

We’re giving you the chance to win a piece of music history: a limited edition, signed A3 poster from Crisis and War Child’s intimate 2025 gig with Coldplay's Jonny Buckland and Chris Martin.

Only ten posters exist worldwide. Each one is individually signed, beautifully framed, and created exclusively for our fundraising gig. This isn’t just memorabilia – it's a truly rare collector’s piece.

Enter now for your chance to own one: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/win-a-signed-poster-by-coldplays-jonny-and-chris

The prize draw is open to UK and Northern Ireland residents aged 18+ and closes on 22 June 2026. Tracked delivery is included for UK and NI addresses. Full T&Cs apply.

Your entry supports Crisis’ work to end homelessness.

A few important truths about homelessness.
26/05/2026

A few important truths about homelessness.

The heatwave has landed 🌞 But if you’re trapped on the street, hot weather is not just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous. Ke...
23/05/2026

The heatwave has landed 🌞

But if you’re trapped on the street, hot weather is not just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous. Keeping cool and staying hydrated can be a real challenge.

Here are a few ways you can help.
EDIT: In Scotland, please contact the council or the Simon Community Scotland website: https://www.simonscotland.org/

Please share, help us reach as many people as possible.

Let's hear it for Team Crisis🥳👏 Last weekend, 39 Team Crisis runners took to the streets of London to take part in the H...
22/05/2026

Let's hear it for Team Crisis🥳👏

Last weekend, 39 Team Crisis runners took to the streets of London to take part in the Hackney Half Marathon.

Together they've raised £19,075 so far to help people build their lives beyond homelessness!

One of our runners was ex-Crisis member Silvester, who took part so he could give back and make sure other people could receive the same support he did.

He says, "I’m honestly ecstatic about how everything went... Thank you, Catherine, for continuously checking in and supporting me over the past few months - it genuinely meant a lot throughout the process.

"Who knows… I might be back in touch soon about next year!"

Thank you to everyone who took part and raised such an incredible amount for Crisis. And another huge thank you goes to everyone who supported them at our cheer station on the day!

The Hackney Half is already sold out for 2027 - but we have a number of exclusive charity places available. Sign up today to secure your place at next year's event: https://bit.ly/49hNR30

21/05/2026

Struggling with rent and unsure how to speak to your landlord? You’ll want to hear this 📣

It can feel scary, but it’s important to tell your landlord as soon as possible. Here are three steps that could help:

1️⃣ Offer an affordable amount you can pay back each month
2️⃣ Check if you’re eligible for financial support
3️⃣ Keep your landlord updated if your situation is likely to change

Following the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's Renters’ Rights Act changes earlier this month, we’ve produced guidance for renters alongside TDS Charitable Foundation (Tenancy Deposit Scheme).

For more support with speaking to your landlord about rent payments, take a look: https://bit.ly/4fzhyjV

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