Connection at St Martin's, The

The Connection is unique in that it works at the sharp end of homelessness. Being located in Westminster means that we come into contact with 25% of all rough sleepers in England and Wales, making us the busiest homelessness centre in the UK.

We are extremely effective at preventing new rough sleepers from becoming entrenched; last year we ensured that 80% of those we saw did not spend a second night out on the streets. Those who are entrenched (some have spent 20 years or more sleeping rough) are being targeted by an innovative Outreach programme which provides prolonged and dedicated support to 205 identified Westminster entrenched rough sleepers, carefully listening to their needs.

Unlike other homelessness organisations, all of our services are ground-level and user-led, enabling us to do what is best for our service-users. We assist rough sleepers from all backgrounds to take that first step off the streetsby providing practical services and emergency accommodation, then help them to build a life away from the streets with dedicated advice & housing, employment & training and therapeutic services.