Shelter From The Storm

Charity bio

Shelter From The Storm is London's ONLY free homeless shelter.

Started one night in the crypt of a church, they provide a warm bed, a lovingly cooked dinner and breakfast for 36 guests, 18 men and 18 women a night, 365 days a year. 

They have identified a growing need among the young homeless and women.  Traditionally homeless shelters have focussed on men, often alcoholic and drug addicted.  While they still cater for the well being of this group with nutrition, counselling and access to detox and rehab, they also recognise the different health and social needs of their young and female users.  

They are dealing more and more with women (and men) fleeing trafficking and torture, and have have become the first and only option for some of the most marginalised people in our society. 

They have established links with Kids Company, New Horizon, The Red Cross, The Metropolitan Police Trafficking Division, The Scarlet Centre (for women escaping sex work), all the agencies dealing with the homeless and all the London Hospitals.  

With love and support they weave a net to catch their guests when they fall through the cracks.

Recently, they were delighted to welcome AA Gill and Nicola Formby into their kitchen to create a culinary masterpiece for our guests. They were treated to a three-course spread of wonderful, hearty fare by the lovely couple, who also had a chance to meet and hear the stories of some of the people who live at the shelter.

Want to know more?  Visit sfts.org.uk/