St Mungo’s is a leading homelessness charity with national influence. Last year, we supported more than 24,935 people who were homeless, or at risk of homelessness through 180 services. We support more than 2,888 people every night.
Our ambition is to end rough sleeping in this country, and we believe that policies and interventions can be put in place to end all forms of homelessness for good.
St Mungo’s outreach teams go out each night to meet people who are homeless and to help them off the streets. We are one of the largest providers of outreach services in the country.
Each night we offer a bed and support to almost 3,000 people across the South and South West. We operate a range of accommodation services to help people at every stage of their recovery from homelessness.
We have Recovery Colleges across the South and South West of England. We offer a range of skills and employment services to help people thrive after homelessness.
A pet can often feel like the only companion for someone sleeping on the streets. They provide solace and comfort during what can be an extremely difficult time. Forced to choose between shelter and their pet, many risk sleeping rough in dangerous conditions rather than being separated.
But here at St Mungo's we recognise the powerful emotional support a pet can provide. That's why we are one of the only charities to accept pets in our hostels.
“When I was on the street, I would sleep in a sleeping bag by Regents Canal in Camden. I would sometimes be able to stay at a friend's but sometimes it wasn't possible. I would have the odd night in a hotel. But they wouldn't let me stay every night. I was just so desperate.
I had a dog at the time but I gave him to a friend to look after, because caring for him on the street was difficult. I missed him but I thought it was not a good home for him to sleep on the pavement with me.
Now that I’m here it’s really good for me. I get amazing support and am progressing. They also let me take Ronnie in.
I like that I can feel recharged here and have privacy. I think it's absolutely beautiful that they let pets in as that is very important. I think that's what makes it special and unique. Because I mean it would have been a drama if Ronnie couldn't have been here!
In the future I hope to be in a nice place my grandson can come and stay and that Ronnie and I can stay together. That’s important for us.”
"I was made homeless during the pandemic. I was caring for a lady, and the job came with a flat, because she needed 24 hour care. But when she passed away, I lost both my flat and the job. Suddenly, I had nowhere to go through no fault of my own.
"I also had Foxy, who had been the lady’s dog. None of the accommodation I was offered accepted pets, but I didn’t want to be without him – it would be like losing a family member.
"Eventually, I was evicted, and the council placed me with St Mungo’s. At first I had a room at one of the hostels, but now I’m in my own self-contained flat, which is part of St Mungo’s supported accommodation.
"It means a lot to be able to live here with Foxy. We’ll get up in the morning, and go for a walk in the park. Then we come back and have breakfast, and he sort of snoozes all day while I'm cleaning or whatever. Then we go for our afternoon walk. It’s a good routine, and it’s nice to meet other dog owners.
"When I first arrived, I didn't know what was going to happen. Or how long I’d even be here. But now I feel much more positive. My case worker is helping me to apply for housing and I’m hoping to get a flat of my own. Don't get me wrong, this place is lovely. I'd be happy here for a good long while, but obviously it's meant to be temporary. Because there’s lots more people who need support too.”
