Crisis x Financial Times campaign 2026: A thank you to our partners

“I’m proof that you can bounce back from homelessness”

Anita’s story

There are two days that Anita sees as truly life-changing.

The first was when she decided to leave her partner after months of increasingly abusive behaviour. Anita had no destination in mind – just getting as far away from her abuser as possible.

But as her money ran out, so did her options. Her first night without a roof over her head was spent on a park bench. No sleep. No shelter. And no idea what tomorrow would bring.

Anita went from fearing abuse at home, to fearing the same on the streets.

It wasn’t long after that someone from StreetLink found Anita and referred her to Crisis at Christmas.

That was the second day that changed her life.

Arriving at the Crisis hotel, she anxiously waited outside for over half an hour, not sure what the day would bring. But when she went in, she remembers the smile that greeted her.

She’ll never forget that first day. She had a decent hot meal, a ‘mini miracle’ of a shower, and that night, she had her own room. Safety, warmth, freedom, privacy. Opening that door for the first time was an overwhelming experience. She sat on the bed, ran her hand over the sheets, and cried.

Anita first met Melissa from Crisis in the days that followed. She really put the time in to show she cared for Anita, and that meant the world. Melissa helped Anita with things like benefits and job applications, and as Anita saw progress, it just gave her more energy and drive to find her way in life.

Anita also became more involved in the activities at Crisis at Christmas. She put herself out there to chat to other people experiencing homelessness – mainly other women. They shared stories and formed bonds.

The feelings of union, companionship and love in that moment are ones she’ll always remember.

Crisis helped Anita with the deposit payment and a grant to start making the place her own. She can read, study, cook and be creative, all in her own safe space.

A space that has given her the foundations of a brighter future.

When someone like Anita walks through our doors at Christmas, it can be the day everything changes. The day someone gets out of the cold and feels the weight of pressure lift of their shoulders. The day someone gets help with finding a safe place to stay, employment and training. The day when they can enjoy the festivities with new friends. It can be the day someone starts to end their homelessness. 

For another year we are delighted to have partnered with the Financial Times to raise funds for our vital work around Crisis at Christmas and beyond to make this possible. Crisis works at Christmas and all year round. We support people across Britain to begin a life out of homelessness. This winter, thousands of people across the UK will be sleeping on cold, unsafe streets. Many more will be sofa surfing, sleeping on buses, or staying in unstable and unsuitable temporary accommodation. The first day at Crisis is just the start of change that lasts a lifetime. From the day someone gets out of the cold, to the moment they find a safe place to stay, a job and companionship. We know the path might not be straightforward. But with the help of our amazing volunteers, lead workers, and ongoing dedicated support, everyone can find their way. Together, we can make sure that first day can be the start of a life out of homelessness.

A big Crisis thank you to our Financial Times sponsors, GSK, Watches of Switzerland Group, Staycity Aparthotels, Wilde Aparthotels, NHBC, Orrick, XPS, Foster and Partners and John Freida, without whom this wouldn’t be possible.

To find out more on how your organisation can partner with Crisis, and how you can sponsor future FT campaigns please get in touch at corporatepartnerships@crisis.org.uk