Celebrating 60 Years of Transforming Lives in East London
Sixty years ago, the crypt of Christ Church Spitalfields opened its doors to provide a night shelter and soup kitchen for homeless men. This simple yet radical act of kindness marked the beginning of Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT), a charity dedicated to helping people find life beyond homelessness and addiction.
From these humble beginnings, SCT has grown into a lifeline for hundreds of people every year, offering:
- Residential addictions treatment programme – helping people work through the causes of addiction and homelessness and build strong foundations for a lasting recovery.
- Supported Housing – guiding residents to manage finances and access debt advice, claim benefits and obtain vital healthcare, as well as manage criminal justice issues, and develop the skills to maintain a tenancy and help secure long-term housing.
- Training & Development – enabling people to discover new skills, alongside developing confidence and self-esteem.
- Housing First Services – supporting exceptionally vulnerable adults with a history of long-term homelessness to maintain a tenancy.
- Social Enterprises & Charity Shops – offering employment, community, and sustainability.
Today, SCT is at the heart of East London, with nine charity shops and two social enterprises supporting our work and providing opportunities for those in recovery.
The Challenge is Greater Than Ever
While we mark six decades of transformation, homelessness and addiction remain profound challenges — and the need for SCT is greater than ever.
🚨 Rough sleeping in England has increased by 20% in the last year alone, with 4,667 people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2024. [Source]
🚨 London accounts for 28% of all rough sleeping in England, with 1,318 people recorded as sleeping rough in the city. [Source]
🚨 94% of day centres supporting people experiencing homelessness report drug and alcohol dependency among their service users. [Source]
Homelessness and addiction are deeply connected, making recovery incredibly challenging — but we believe change is possible as we’ve witnessed so many people transform their lives in the last 60 years.
SCT at 60: Looking ahead with your help.
This year we’re not just shining a light on the impact SCT has had over 60 years, we’re actively looking ahead — ensuring we continue to support people for as long as they need it.
On 6 November 2025, we will officially mark our 60th birthday. But this isn’t just about one day — we are planning a year of celebrations, and we want you to be part of it.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate – Every contribution provides life-changing support, whether financial, donating pre-loved clothing, or giving your time as a volunteer. Donate Here
- Shop – Visit our SCT Charity Shops & social enterprises. For every £1 spent, a £14 social return is created for the East London community.
- Support – Volunteer, fundraise, or spread the word. Join a challenge event, host your own…., or simply share this blog post with a friend to help us raise awareness.
Together, we can make recovery possible for even more people in the years to come. Join us in marking 60 years of SCT – and shaping the next 60!
