London Urban Issues

Large economic disparities exist within London. Listed below are some organizations that work on urban issues like youth homelessness in London.

Alone in London, 188 King’s Cross Rd., London WC1X 9DE (☎7278 4224 for volunteering; www.als.org.uk). Committed to the young homeless. Volunteer posts are 3-6 months. Application required.
Crisis Skylight, 66 Commercial St., London E1 6LT (☎0870 011 3335; www.crisis.org.uk). Provides a range of workshops and creative activities for the homeless. Application required.
Community Service Volunteers (CSV), 237 Pentonville Rd., London N1 9NJ (☎7278 6601; www.csv.org.uk). Offers both full- (4-12 months) and part-time volunteer positions, including teaching citizenship courses and supporting troubled youth and the homeless. See website for fee details and to download an application.
Detainee Support and Health Unit, 54 Camberwell Rd., London SE5 0EN (www.langlinks.org.uk). Provides help and support to those detained under the Immigration act by helping those released from detention and providing assistance to those being deported. Aims to develop bilingual abilities in London’s many immigrants.
The Food Chain, 202-208 New North Rd., London N1 7BJ (☎7354 0333; www.foodchain.org.uk). Aims to ensure that those living with HIV in the UK have access to food and good nutrition to help regain their health and stay well.
Oxfam, John Smith Dr., Cowley, Oxford OX4 2JY (☎0870 333 2700; www.oxfam.co.uk). The UK’s largest secular organization supporting the poor; contact Oxfam for your nearest regional office. Download an application online.
The Salvation Army UK Headquarters, 33-35 Kings Exchange, Tileyard Rd., London N7 9AH (☎7619 6100; www.salvationarmy.org.uk). A Christian organization that provides emergency aid and social services, including youth programs and family tracing.
The Simon Community, 89-93 Fonthill Rd., London N4 3JH (☎7561 8270; www.simoncommunity.org.uk). Supports the homeless, working on the streets to deliver a better quality of life.
Thames Reach Bondway, 122-126 Backchurch Ln., London E1 1ND (☎7702 4260; www.thamesreachbondway.com). Conducts street work, documents stories, and provides community support for the homeless. 1-day and administrative positions available. See website for details and application.
Time Bank, 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9BG (☎0845 456 1668 for volunteering; www.timebank.org.uk). A national campaign places volunteers with organizations dealing with a wide variety of issues, from art to music to dance to education. See website for long list of partner organizations.