WHO WE ARE
London Cares is an organization founded to respond to individuals experiencing chronic and persistent homelessness in London.
OUR WORK
Our work is grounded in the Housing First principles of: housing is a human right, services are person centered, a harm reduction approach is deeply embedded in everything we do, and we believe that people should move quickly into housing and then wrap intensive case management support around them to move towards stability.
We are proud to be the first Housing First organization in London.
VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES
OUR VISION:
A compassionate, inclusive community where no one is left behind.
OUR MISSION:
Champions with and for people experiencing homelessness to be well in stable, safe housing.
OUR VALUES:
Individuality
Honouring the dignity and uniqueness of each person.
Advocacy
Championing equity, inclusion, and systems change.
Relationships
Collaborating to create meaningful solutions.
Agility
Adapting quickly to dynamic needs.
InteGRITy
Always showing up, never giving up, and being accountable to see things through.
WHO WE SERVE
London Cares is an inclusive organization serving all people who are experiencing chronic and persistent homelessness regardless of gender, sexual orientation, culture, or age.
We work with youth, seniors, couples, people with pets, people who identify as LGBTQIA2S, Indigenous, and Black, people of colour, women, men, and families. Our focus is particularly on those of higher acuity (i.e., those with the most complex needs and greatest degree of marginalization).
We are champions with and for people experiencing homelessness, particularly individuals with the most complex needs and greatest barriers. Many people we work with regularly use substances, experience untreated mental health concerns, and have deep trauma. The challenges of homelessness are many, and the needs of our community are varied, complex, and extensive.
OUR APPROACH
We believe homelessness is a solvable problem that requires nuanced, multi-faceted system solutions.
Equity is our starting point for interactions and relationships. We respect the individual and their journey, adapt to meet changing needs, always show up, and never give up. We are a strong, resilient organization that catalyzes change through the power of relationship. We align with our system partners, advance system goals, champion the needs of this vulnerable population, and contribute our unique experience and expertise for a stronger collective impact.
OUR HISTORY
London Cares was formed in 2012 through a partnership between Addiction Services of Thames Valley (now integrated as CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services), Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, and Unity Project, and was funded by the City of London. In 2014, London Cares was a recipient of the Pillar Community Collaboration Award.
Over the years, we have evolved both structurally and programmatically to become a more integrated and coordinated response to chronic homelessness in our city. In 2018, what began as a pilot project under the auspices of several organizations was formalized as an independent, charitable organization now called London Cares Homeless Response Services.
STRATEGIC PLAN
We are grateful to the many people who shared their insights, wisdom, and time with us as we developed our strategic plan Journey to Home: London Cares’ Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024.
Our strategic plan will guide our work over the next five years. We look forward to creating a shared sense of belonging as we build a bridge from street to home.