The number of children in London facing homelessness is now at “record levels”, according to the chief executive of the Cardinal Hume Centre (CHC).
George O’Neill said more than 85,000 of London’s children are now living in insecure and temporary accommodation.
He added: “Without support, these children are likely to earn less and face poorer education and health outcomes. The evidence also suggests that they are at higher risk of facing homelessness again as an adult.
“The Cardinal Hume Centre is one of the few places these families and children can turn. That’s why we are redoubling our efforts and expanding our services to meet growing demand.”
O’Neill said he was grateful for the centre’s support from the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby. O'Neill made the remarks last week at a reception held at Westminster City Hall, London to celebrate the work of the CHC.
The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, was one of 90 people who attended the event held to mark the centre’s work. They included the Lord Mayor, Cllr Robert Rigby and the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Westminster, Mgr Jim Curry. Guests across both central and local government, charities, and schools – including Old Amplefordians – also attended the reception.
Cardinal Nichols reflected on the Westminster roots of the CHC and its founder, Cardinal Basil Hume – a predecessor of Nichols as Archbishop of Westminster – whose recognition of the high numbers of homeless young people sleeping on the streets led to the creation of the charity in 1986.
Cardinal Nichols recalled an anecdote in which the late Cardinal Hume – known for his personal generosity in donating clothes and other personal items to the homeless – had been walking across the piazza outside Westminster Cathedral “when one of the homeless men there shouted out: ‘Hey Cardinal, I’ve got your trousers!’”
The CHC “supports families and young people facing poverty and homelessness by helping them to thrive”, its website says, “We provide tailored advice and support to prevent the root causes of poverty at a young age, to break its cycle into later life.”
According to statistics on CHC’s website, about 38 per cent of children in London live in poverty, and a further 42 per cent of households in London who were at risk of homelessness had children.
The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby said: “The Cardinal Hume Centre is one of my two chosen charities for this Mayoral year, and it was a privilege to host a reception at City Hall for this amazing organisation.
“The challenge of child poverty is as pressing today as ever and the Centre does vital work in looking after younger people who have come adrift from their families or arrived in the country in often harrowing circumstances.
"I have visited the Cardinal Hume Centre regularly, talking to staff and those who use its services, and I hope to help it raise more funds to look after those who end up on our pavements."
In 2023, about 1208 clients were supported to increase their financial security, and 105 children accessed CHC’s family centre for social, cultural and education activities.
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