Last week, members of the Newsteer team participated in the Clothing Challenge at Whitechapel Mission. Located in the heart of London, we worked in the mission’s basement to process donations and contribute to this significant cause.

The Clothing Challenge involved labeling, measuring, and organizing donated clothing, ensuring that each item found its place on the racks. These clothes would be available to the mission’s guests after their morning showers, providing a selection of clothing at no cost.

Other team members handled food donations by checking expiration dates and organizing cereals, jams, peanut butter, ketchup, and other condiments for the mission’s kitchen. The kitchen tirelessly serves 700 breakfasts daily to those in need.

The reality of homelessness was evident amidst the affluence portrayed by the new Tower Hamlets Town Hall and towering new-build apartments. As real estate professionals, this experience served as a reminder of the pressing housing crisis, urging us to address the challenges faced by the less fortunate.

Volunteering and corporate responsibility play a significant role at Whitechapel Mission, which operates without a marketing budget and relies on volunteers to serve breakfasts and process donations. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has impacted donation levels, making our collective efforts even more vital. Our team’s participation was not merely a volunteer opportunity but also a call to action for others to join us in this critical service to London.

To find out more about Whitechapel Mission and how you can support, visit https://whitechapel.org.uk