Rushanara Ali visits Providence Row homelessness charity

Amid growing national concern about the numbers of people sleeping rough, Rushanara Ali has discussed the homelessness crisis at Spitalfields charity Providence Row.  

On 7 March, the MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney, who is also Parliamentary under-secretary of state for homelessness and rough sleeping, visited of the charity’s resource centre based in Wentworth Street.

Ali said: “It was great to meet the Providence Row team and service users, and to see the range of support provided to people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. I am so thankful to the staff and volunteers for your invaluable work that helps to change lives.”

Tom O’Connor, Providence Row Chief Executive, added:“We were delighted to welcome Rushanara Ali to our resource centre and to show her how we support and empower people affected by homelessness.

“We have seen a significant increase in  the number of people affected by homelessness in London over the last few years due to the cost of living crisis, rising rents and a chronic lack of affordable housing in the capital.

“Rushanara’s visit provided an important opportunity to discuss these issues face to face.  We look forward to further collaboration as we challenge the scandal of homelessness in our communities.”

Providence Row has been serving the East London and the City community for 165 years, providing comprehensive support to people experiencing homelessness.

Every year, the charity helps more than 1,500 people through services that address both immediate needs and long-term goals, helping individuals not just survive but thrive.

The centre offers free meals, housing advice, access to health and well being services onsite, training courses, employability support and substance use advice, including a needle exchange service. 

According to the most recent government data, there are 746 households in Tower Hamlets recorded as homeless between July and September 2024.