6,000+ people supported across Britain
Over the past year, Crisis has begun delivering an ambitious 10-year strategy to end homelessness. In this edition, you’ll see what this looks like in real lives and real moments. From the women-led service and a hotel we piloted over Christmas for women forced into homelessness, to updates from volunteers, fundraisers and members who – just like you – are part of this growing community determined to end homelessness for good. Thank you for your support.
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This Christmas, Crisis piloted our first women-led service, including a hotel specifically for women, trans women and non-binary people facing homelessness. Many women arrived at our doors carrying experiences of abuse that had followed them from home onto the streets. They described the rules they lived by just to survive: don’t close your eyes, don’t be seen, don’t stay in one place.
This year’s hotel was the first step to safety for these women. A calm, private room and bathroom. Women were welcomed by a women-led, trauma-informed team who understand fear – and how much it strips away.
Three months on, women are now being supported along an individual pathway out of homelessness – with healthcare, wellbeing support and housing advice, shaped around their needs and pace. Thank you for helping make that possible.
6,000+ people supported across Britain
1,278 healthcare appointments, including GP, dental and eye care
3,500 people volunteered their time to support Crisis at Christmas
Over 2,000 people we met at Christmas have accessed ongoing support and advice
6,000+ people supported across Britain
1,278 healthcare appointments, including GP, dental and eye care
3,500 people volunteered their time to support Crisis at Christmas
Over 2,000 people we met at Christmas have accessed ongoing support and advice
2024 was Lucy’s first-time volunteering. After a period of big personal and professional change, she finally had the chance to do something she’d talked about for years. It was, she says, “an opportunity to re-evaluate where I wanted to direct my energy.”
Her first shift at the Pimlico day centre in London was eye-opening.
“I thought it was shelter and a hot meal. When I realised there were dentists, doctors and a clothes shop, I was like, this is phenomenal.”
At a later hotel shift, she felt how powerful human connection can be.
“One chap came over and wanted to sit down and talk. To know you might have made somebody feel slightly better for a moment is a lovely feeling.”
For Lucy, that’s what Crisis at Christmas is about: showing up, staying open, and offering warmth and support when it’s needed most.
Claire came to England seeking safety after facing persecution because of her sexuality. Being openly LGBTQ+ in her home country put her at serious risk, and she feared for her family’s safety too.
“I had a lot of people who loved me, but I didn’t want to put my family in danger.”
When she arrived in the UK, Claire had nowhere stable to live. She sofa surfed when she could but often slept on buses or stayed in hostels just to get through the night. Everything changed when someone told her about Crisis.
“Sometimes, I would sleep on the bus… but then I met someone who told me about Crisis. From that day, Crisis has been my family.”
At Crisis, Claire found more than practical support. She found community and a space to rebuild her confidence, taking part in classes, with sewing becoming especially important for her wellbeing.
After being granted asylum, Crisis supported Claire into social housing and helped furnish her empty flat. Now part of the Out in Crisis group, she hopes to study social work and give back.
In September 2025, more than 20,000 Crisis supporters came together to call on the Prime Minister to act to end homelessness. Your names, voices and determination were delivered directly to Downing Street, sending a powerful message that change is urgently needed.
In December, the Government published its new national homelessness strategy. Preventing homelessness, a central demand of the open letter, now sits at the heart of its approach. It is a clear sign that when thousands of people speak together, decision-makers listen.
While the strategy includes welcome commitments, there is still more to be done. Crisis will continue working to ensure long-term solutions are in place, including access to genuinely affordable housing and stronger prevention measures.
Our campaigning team, including Isra (Crisis Expert by Experience), Manoel (Crisis Volunteer and former member), Calum (Crisis Policy and Social Change team) and Ray (Crisis Expert by Experience).
Manoel had been rough sleeping before getting a room during Covid. “I was feeling isolated and was recommended to join the Out in Crisis group at the Croydon Skylight.”
Out in Crisis is a group of members who aim to improve services, raise visibility and ensure support for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced homelessness.
Since then, Manoel has become an essential part of the Crisis community – both as a volunteer and as an Expert by Experience whose insight shapes the way Crisis campaigns. He’s also become an active campaigner, using his lived experience to help inform and shape the changes needed to prevent homelessness nationwide.
With Crisis’ support, Manoel has also co-produced a graphic novel ‘Out in Parks: A Queer Man’s Journey In and Out of Rough Sleeping’, which aims to raise awareness around LGBTQ+ people’s experience of homelessness and the links between HIV and homelessness. You can even buy your own copy here!
François was in and out of homelessness for much of a decade, rough sleeping at times or moving between night shelters while trying to find stability. He first connected with Crisis at Christmas, where he found practical support and a space to feel safe.
It was there he met Alex, a Crisis volunteer. Alex struck up a conversation with him over their shared love of piano. The two stayed in touch and bonded over music, creativity and their personal journeys.
François began teaching himself to play on public pianos in stations, using music to process his experiences and reconnect with the world around him.
“My piano playing is an expression of everybody that I’ve known through my journey.”
Over time, François's confidence grew. What began as playing alone in stations led to opportunities in jazz clubs and creative spaces, helping him rebuild connection, purpose and hope.
Some supporters give time. Some give money. David gives both. As a dedicated Crisis volunteer for over 15 years and a monthly direct-debit donor, David knows first-hand the difference sustained support can make.
Since retiring from a career in project management, David has continued to use his time and skills to support people experiencing homelessness.
“I started with Crisis at Christmas as a general volunteer, then a key volunteer, then a shift leader.”
David has also volunteered at events such as The North-East Homelessness Conference, the Great North Run and health and wellbeing days for Crisis members at the Newcastle Skylight.
“Whether it’s donating time or money, I’ve seen how supporting Crisis helps end homelessness. And it’s been rewarding to see people get the help and guidance they need.”
Photo credits: Sarah M Lee, Mere Mortals, Donna Riddington, Danny Dixon
