What is homelessness?
Homelessness is a complex issue that presents itself in various forms. It can be a truly frightening and isolating experience. People experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to physical and mental health issues, often compounded by trauma.
The Society of St James believes that having a safe place to call home is a fundamental human right, and without it, everything is a challenge. While visible street homelessness is apparent in towns and cities, thousands more can be described as 'hidden homeless'. People may find themselves in temporary accommodation or overcrowded and unsuitable housing, while others may be sofa surfing with friends and family.
It is shocking that at the moment in the UK thousands of people are without a permanent, safe home. It is impossible to accurately count the number of people who are homeless, as along with people who are living on the streets there are thousands of people who can be described as ‘hidden homeless’ – people who are not on the streets but have no place to call home. The number of people finding themselves in this situation is increasing every day. Join our Newsletter to keep up to date with our work.
Who we are?
Society of St James is a UK-based charity providing housing-related support and accommodation services for people facing complex challenges. We are a registered charity, housing provider and registered care home provider.
We support individuals who may be experiencing:
Homelessness or rough sleeping
Housing instability
Mental health challenges
Substance misuse
Social isolation
Our work is grounded in compassion and practical action.
What We Do?
We deliver a range of homelessness and housing-related support services designed to meet people where they are.
This includes:
Homelessness prevention and housing support
Supported accommodation
Outreach and engagement
Mental health and wellbeing support
Pathways towards independent living
Each service is shaped around individual needs and goals. Book a meeting to find out more about how we help, or how you can partner with us.
Early Years and Present Day
In 1972, the Society of St James was a group of volunteers from a collection of churches who opened up a church hall to accommodate 11 homeless men. Many of the men we worked with in those early days were struggling with heavy drinking and the team realised very quickly that offering shelter was just the first step in helping people get back on their feet.
Although our organisation and the services we provide has changed in the last 50 years, our ethos remains the same. We are still walk alongside people to support them to navigate the sometimes broken system. We are here to prevent, relieve and ultimately end homelessness. We still believe that everyone deserves not just a second or third chance, but as many as it takes to enable them to change their lives for the better.
Our Approach
We take a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, recognising that many people we support face multiple challenges.
By building trust and providing consistent support, we help individuals move towards stability and independence at their own pace.
Domestic Abuse Support
If you are experiencing or affected by domestic abuse, you can seek help from SSJ or a specialist service. SSJ provides information, advice, advocacy, safety planning, and access to trained Domestic Abuse Leads within our services. If you witness or hear an incident, call 999 immediately; for concerns in an SSJ property, contact the Operational Security Team on 023 8063 2544 or support staff and the housing management team on 0800 987 4150. Friends and neighbours can offer support and empathy while respecting confidentiality. If you are a perpetrator, please seek help to change harmful behaviour. For more resources, guidance, and support, visit our SSJ Service User and Residents Association page.
Our Impact
Every year, Society of St James supports people experiencing homelessness to rebuild stability and confidence.
Our impact goes beyond accommodation - it is about helping people move forward with hope and resilience. Donate to make a lasting impact.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support Society of St James:
Donating to support homelessness services
Volunteering your time or skills
Fundraising or partnering with us
Together, we can make a lasting difference.
