Our impact
Spires has been supporting those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage since 1990. In that time, we have pioneered new and innovative ways to meet our clients’ needs, placing them at the heart of the work that we do, to empower them to make the necessary changes within their lives so they can avoid homelessness.
Outcomes in 2023
There’s been a drastic increase in the number of people coming to Spires for support in recent years. This is reflected in a rise in our attendances in 2023, where we used to average around 90 individuals a month, this rose to an average of 160 people last year.
In 2023, we had 4,414 overall attendances at Spires, from 846 different people in need. Below are some of the outcomes we achieved for clients from 2023:
Housing & Homelessness support
66 people supported into temporary accommodation
43 people supported into other forms of housing
123 people supported to avoid eviction & maintain housing
79 people were referred to Street link
142 people supported to start or maintain benefits
48 people received training or supported to start work/volunteering
Health support
93 people supported to engage with the mental health team
42 people supported to engage with drug & alcohol support services
25 People supported to attend health appointment
52 people supported to attend screening services
Community impact
Spires creates a welcoming and safe environment for all and we pride ourselves on being the first point of call for many people in need of support. Through supporting people to exit homelessness we see ourselves as a community resource. Our work both supports individuals in their time of need and reduces the number of people sleeping out in the community.
“It is such a joy and a privilege to host Spires at St Luke's West Norwood. There are so many people in our parish that are in need of so much love and support, and Spires has a very experienced team available to offer direction, advocacy, wisdom and kindness. Our partnership with Spires means that we can stay focused on the mission of the church, while providing a space for specialist community services that help the most isolated and vulnerable in our parish.” St Luke’s Church.
“Spires staff work tirelessly to produce outstanding results for the homeless in our community, providing appropriate support according to each persons’ individual needs. They offer a connection and pathway for the homeless in the community, ensuring they receive the best care possible" Community Support Officer, August 2022
Award-winning service
In July 2023, Spires was highly commended in the category ‘Outstanding achievement in outreach and rough sleeper provision’ as part of the Homeless Link Excellence Awards. This commendation was testament to the dedication of our women’s team and fantastic group of volunteers, all of whom are committed to delivering a high quality outreach service to women experiencing homelessness or engaged in street-based sex work.
Spires’ Streetlink project previously won first Prize at the London Homelessness Awards in 2013. This award recognized Spires’ innovative efforts to tackle homelessness in London, commending our outreach for looking at more than tackling homelessness, helping address many related issues as well. London Councils’ Executive member for housing, Mayor Sir Steve Bullock, said: ‘Spires’ Streetlink, is a fantastic example of a project which works with some of the hardest to reach young women in our local community and helps them to get off the streets and into a safe and positive environment.’
Support our work
None of this is possible without your continued support. If you want to help those experiencing homelessness in London then you can donate towards our work.
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