Shelter

Shelter was founded in 1966, galvanised in large part by the response to Ken Loach's landmark BBC documentary 'Cathy Come Home' — a film that exposed the devastating reality of homelessness and inadequate housing for families in Britain. The film was broadcast in November 1966, and Shelter launched just days later, channelling the public outrage it provoked into a new campaigning and support charity dedicated to housing rights.

For nearly 60 years, Shelter has been one of the UK's most outspoken advocates for people who are homeless or living in bad housing. The charity provides free legal advice, emergency support, and national campaigns for stronger renters' rights, better social housing, and an end to the use of temporary accommodation for families. Shelter's helpline and online advice are used by hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Shelter operates over 100 charity shops across England and Scotland, selling donated clothing, books, accessories, homeware, and more. The shops are well-regarded for their well-presented stock and engaged, knowledgeable volunteers. Several Shelter shops specialise in vintage or designer clothing and are popular with shoppers seeking higher-quality second-hand items.

The money raised in Shelter shops helps fund the charity's frontline legal and advice services, which support people facing eviction, illegal evictions, disrepair in private rentals, mortgage arrears, and homeless households. In an era of rising rents, housing shortages, and record homelessness levels, Shelter's work has never been more urgent — and every pound raised in its shops contributes directly to that effort.