Crisis has marked the launch of a new Skylight centre providing vital services to homeless people with a visit from Housing Minister and Croydon MP Gavin Barwell.

Crisis Skylight Croydon, the eleventh of its kind across Great Britain, opens its doors on Friday 17 February and will help people through every stage oftheir journey out of homelessness, from early engagement on the street to progression into education, employment and independent living.

Crisis began working in the area in autumn 2015, delivering classes and advice sessions in drop-in centres for people living on the streets, hostels and supported housing projects. The move to a permanent home will make it easier for homeless people to get the help they need from Crisis. The centre is equipped with facilities ranging from an IT suite, training kitchen and art room, to showers and a laundry.  

Last year over 1,000 households were formally accepted by the Croydon Council as homeless in Croydon and rough sleeping levels across the borough have increased by 24% since 2012/13.

Crisis Chief Executive Jon Sparkes said:  

“I am delighted that Crisis Skylight Croydon has found a permanent home. It will allow our team to build on the excellent work we’ve been doing here since 2015.

“Croydon has faced significant rises in homelessness in recent years. We are confident that the facilities and the team here at Crisis Skylight Croydon will help remove the barriers many rough sleepers face, building confidence and moving people forward and out of homelessness for good.”

Minister for Housing Gavin Barwell MP said:  

"I have had the privilege to meet with Crisis on a number of occasions since being appointed as Minister for Housing and have been consistently impressed by the work they do and indeed the result they are producing.

"It is a particular honour to be able to open the new facility for Crisis Skylight Croydon and again see at first-hand how they are helping some of the most vulnerable in our society to progress from homelessness to independent living. I wish the venture every success."