Crisis

About the Organization

Crisis is the UK’s national charity for people experiencing homelessness. Founded in 1967 by a network of campaigners and politicians responding to homelessness in London, Crisis has since grown into a nationwide movement working to end homelessness for good. The organization provides direct support to people who are homeless or at risk, helping them rebuild their lives while campaigning for the political and social changes needed to prevent homelessness altogether. Its mission is simple but urgent: to make sure everyone in Great Britain has a safe, stable place to live.

Crisis takes a comprehensive approach to homelessness, combining frontline services with research, policy work, and advocacy. The charity believes homelessness is not inevitable but a result of systemic failures that can be fixed. Every year, Crisis supports thousands of people as they find safe housing, access employment, and reconnect with their communities.

Services & Programs

Crisis delivers a wide range of services designed to help individuals move out of homelessness and build sustainable futures.

Skylight Centres: These community hubs, located across England, Scotland, and Wales, provide one-to-one support tailored to each person’s needs. Through Skylight, individuals can access education, training, and employment advice alongside housing and health support.

Housing and Benefits Support: Crisis advisers assist members in securing safe and affordable accommodation. They help navigate complex housing systems, access financial support, and connect with landlords willing to offer fair tenancies.

Employment Services: The charity supports people to gain skills and qualifications, build confidence, and find stable employment. This often includes CV workshops, interview preparation, and direct links to job opportunities through partner employers.

Health and Wellbeing: Many people facing homelessness experience poor health or barriers to medical care. Crisis helps individuals register with doctors, access mental health services, and receive holistic support for recovery.

Crisis at Christmas: One of the charity’s most recognised initiatives, this annual programme offers emergency accommodation, meals, companionship, and essential services over the holiday period—often providing a critical first step away from the streets.

Who They Support

Crisis works with anyone experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers, people in temporary accommodation, and those facing eviction. The charity prioritises individuals facing the most complex challenges—such as mental health issues, addiction, or systemic exclusion—and those with no other support network. Its approach is person-centred, respecting the dignity and agency of everyone it helps. Members are encouraged to define their own goals while receiving sustained support to achieve lasting stability.

Regional Coverage

Crisis operates across Great Britain, with Skylight centres and charity shops situated in key cities throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. Its national helpline and online resources extend reach beyond physical locations, ensuring people everywhere can access help. This broad geographical footprint allows Crisis to respond to both urban and regional housing challenges while maintaining a local understanding of each area’s unique issues.

Role in the Employment Landscape

By helping people overcome homelessness, Crisis plays a vital role in enabling access to employment. Stable housing is a foundation for securing and maintaining work, and the charity’s services directly address this link. Through its training and employment support programmes, Crisis equips individuals with skills, confidence, and resources to re-enter the workforce. It also works with employers and policymakers to promote inclusive hiring practices, tackling the structural barriers that prevent those affected by homelessness from finding stable jobs.

Summary

Crisis remains at the forefront of the UK’s fight to end homelessness. Through its combination of direct support, research, and national advocacy, the charity not only helps people out of homelessness but challenges the systems that perpetuate it. Its network of Skylight centres, legal and housing support, and employment initiatives empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence. For job seekers and vulnerable individuals, Crisis represents both a lifeline and a movement for lasting change—proof that homelessness is not inevitable, but solvable with the right action and compassion.