Finding homes and offering hope

It starts with a hot meal and a safe space but the goal for drop-in centres is always to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness find homes. In the final of our short blog series on the Wimbledon Foundation Homelessness Fund and World Homeless Day in October, we asked three of the supported organisations to share stories from their guests and clients. Stories that illustrate the difference their service provides to those at risk from homelessness. Stories of hope and of homes.

“Ace of Clubs saved me”

Ace of Clubs is a day centre for the homeless and vulnerable, based in Clapham on the Wandsworth/Lambeth border and has been serving the community for 30 years.

Wimbledon Foundation Homelessness Fund has generously supported Ace of Clubs for many years, including during the Covid period, which had a profound impact not only on the mental health of homeless individuals but also on their long-term wellbeing. One guest shared that after a successful job interview, he was offered the role. However, when he revealed that he had no fixed address and was sleeping in his car, the employer told him he would need to wait until he was in a more stable position.

Another guest, G, initially came only for food, a hot drink, and a warm space to spend a few hours indoors. Over time, however, he received extensive support: access to NHS healthcare, casework, and employment guidance. Eventually, through collaboration with another charity, Ace of Clubs was able to help him into a home. In his own words: “Ace of Clubs saved me.”

It starts with a smile and a warm welcome...

Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project (FIA-MHP) offers more than just a break from the cold. As well as a smile and a warm welcome, their Homeless Drop-In provides hot meals, showers, laundry and 1-2-1 support for people experiencing homelessness or living in unstable housing across Merton and neighbouring boroughs. The Drop-in takes place twice a week with 65-70 people attending each session and on average 1–2 new people per week.

Dealing with tangible matters such as access to benefits, bank accounts, phones etc. is relatively straightforward. However, so many individuals present with complex and challenging needs including physical, mental health and addiction issues.

Chris, a UK citizen, lived for some years in Spain. However unable to continue working there he returned to the UK. With only a backpack, a driving licence and some cash, Chris slept on the streets while looking for work. Just before Christmas, all his belongings were stolen. He had no documents, no money and no status; Chris resorted to begging for food. While sleeping rough and enduring extreme weather, he suffered severe frostbite and subsequently needed an operation to remove the end of a finger. Chris was battling with other health issues too, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Chris heard about the Merton Homeless Drop-In and started to show up there twice a week for food, shelter and clothing. Hesitant at first to engage, he realised he needed help to solve his problems. Slowly he built trust with the staff. They helped him to open a bank account, apply for his 60+ Oyster card and a copy of his birth certificate and National Insurance number. With his ID documents in place, he was then able to apply for Universal Credit. With the Drop-in staff’s support, expertise and encouragement, he is now housed.

Chris is immensely grateful to all at MHP for turning his life around. He has come to see the Drop-In staff and volunteers as his family. Chris continues to attend the Drop-In, but less frequently as they suggested he volunteer with a partner organisation as part of transitioning to finding work. Chris reports back to Drop-In staff that he is loving his voluntary work and finding a whole new support network.

No one-size-fits-all solutions

Funding from Wimbledon Foundation Homelessness Fund has enabled Spires to realise a long-term ambition: establishing a service in Wandsworth.

In January 2025, they launched a weekly drop-in in collaboration with St Nicholas’ Church in Tooting. It’s a long-term project, but attendance is steadily increasing, and the team has already supported 105 people—including Stephen.

Stephen first presented at Spires’ drop-ins in February 2025, having become homeless following a breakdown in family relationships. He worked with the team in Wandsworth and other drop-in locations. During winter, he had been living in his father’s garage, avoiding detection by walking the streets all day and relying on friends for food and internet access.

His sister, alarmed by his condition, persuaded him to visit his GP, who referred him to Spires. The next day, Stephen spoke with their Housing and Homelessness Coordinator and attended the Rough Sleepers’ drop-in. He described feeling immediate relief—welcomed with a hot breakfast and a sense of safety. Spires provided practical support, including travel cards and internet access, while the team helped him explore housing options.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness. The team supported Stephen through verification by the outreach team and helped him begin a housing assessment with Wandsworth Council. Through regular contact, they assessed him as someone capable of living independently. In March 2025, Stephen was introduced to a landlord who had previously housed Spires clients. All parties agreed the property was a good fit, and Stephen moved in immediately. The team helped him settle and continue to maintain regular contact to ensure everything is going smoothly.

[Names have been changed or shortened to protect identity]