Four decades in Westminster
40 years of support
For 40 years, the Cardinal Hume Centre has supported young people, children and families experiencing homelessness in Westminster. Since 1986, thousands of people have walked through our doors seeking safety, advice and practical support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
We're marking our 40th anniversary in many ways, by honouring our past while investing in the future.
Our partnership with Westminster Abbey
In July 2026, in partnership with Westminster Abbey Centre clients, volunteers, and staff enjoyed a guided tour of the Abbey followed by poetry workshops for children and adults exploring the themes of refuge, hope and welcome.
Led by a volunteer poet the group reflected on what the Cardinal Hume Centre and Westminster Abbey mean to them. As part of our 40th anniversary, they were encouraged to think about the community and values we share. The group created wonderful original poems inspired by their experiences.
500 Futures campaign
To commemorate our 40th anniversary, we are launching the 500 Futures campaign in October 2026 – an ambitious effort to support 500 more children, young people and families, growing our impact from helping 1300 to 1800 annually.
Led by a committed Development Board chaired by John Gibbs KCSG, this campaign will raise £1.2 million to expand and strengthen our frontline services.
Your support will help us reach more children, young people and families before they hit crisis point, giving them the stability they need.
No single cause of homelessness
Homelessness rarely results from a single cause. Families who come to the Centre often face several pressures at once, including:
- Rising rents and insecure private tenancies
- Delays or gaps in welfare income
- Barriers to employment or childcare
- Overcrowded or unstable housing
- Family breakdown
- Domestic violence
- Insecure immigration status
Preventing homelessness means addressing both the immediate housing need and the underlying pressures.
Our whole-family approach
At the Cardinal Hume Centre, we work with the whole family – bringing housing support, financial guidance, youth services, immigration advice, and family support together under one roof. This integrated approach helps people move from crisis to stability and start building long‑term security.
Because the strongest predictor of adult homelessness is childhood poverty, trauma and repeated homelessness, our work with children and young people is central to breaking the cycle for good.
What your support will help us achieve
Your contribution to the 500 Futures campaign will strengthen:
- Early support for children growing up in poverty
- Housing advice and financial stability services
- Youth pathways into independence, creating opportunities for young people to thrive
- Support for families in temporary accommodation, helping them regain security and stability
Every future changed is a future rebuilt – because ending homelessness tomorrow begins with what we do for children today.
How you can get involved
There are lots of ways you can get involved in marking our 40th anniversary. You can share your memories, recollections and stories of how you came to know and support the Centre – we'd love to hear from the people who have helped us support thousands of young people, children and families over the last 40 years.
Commit to the 500 Futures campaign by donating, fundraising or volunteering today. Click on the link below to find out more, or get in touch below.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about our 40th anniversary: how to donate, fundraise or volunteer for us, or something else, we'd be really happy to hear from you.
