Who We Are

Coptic City Mission is a charity that aims to support those who are sleeping rough in Central London, by combatting the suffering of the homeless at a grass-roots level, through the provision of food and fellowship.

Since 2000, we have been providing service to those who are homeless and sleeping rough in Central London, under the care of the Coptic Orthodox Church. We aim to be different by not only fulfilling basic needs, such as food, drink and material essentials, but also through having a powerful impact by tackling loneliness and social exclusion.

We are ever grateful to our many stakeholders and supporters, some of whom are mentioned below, who have helped us throughout our constant growth over the decades; we welcome and invite anyone to support us financially, to volunteer with us or even to be served by the Mission.

Ever since 2000, we are still willing to grow and are constantly searching for new ways to have an impact on those we serve.

What We Do

Coptic City Mission has always strived to be much more than a soup run handout for the homeless; we endeavour to listen and to forge real, meaningful relationships.

On a weekly basis, we undertake to provide food, clothing, sleeping bags and fellowship for the homeless. Every Tuesday evening, we carry out all of the steps necessary for City Mission, which ranges from purchasing the food and hot drinks to preparing and packing the meals. Finally, we distribute these meals, alongside tea and coffee, in Spenser Street, Victoria, the Strand and Goodge Street.

Our support not only includes the provision of food, sleeping bags, clothing and other necessities, but also companionship and a listening ear. At the end of the evening, we finish by singing contemporary worship songs and gathering together.

In addition, on the last Tuesday of every month, we run an Indoor Mission at St. Saviour’s, Pimlico, where we provide hot meals and drinks alongside the regular service.

Our History

Key dates in the history of City Mission and the evolving problem of homelessness in London’s streets:

• 2000 – City Mission is founded under the care of His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos and several university graduates, heading into the streets of Victoria for the first time
• 2004 – Amount of sandwich bags distributed increases from 40 to 80
• 2005 – Singing is brought into the regular City Mission schedule
• 2007 – City Mission moves, changing from the original location by Westminster Cathedral to Spenser Street, where we currently serve
• 2012 – Christmas City Mission is held indoors for the first time at St. Saviour’s Church Hall, Pimlico
• 2013 – Indoor City Mission at St. Saviour’s becomes a regular diary fixture, held monthly