Partnering for Community-Centered Recovery
Kairos Community Trust began in 1991 as a week-long night shelter in Northwest London. What started as a short-term project quickly uncovered more complex challenges: people weren’t just in need of a place to sleep – they needed forms of rehabilitation and longer-term support. In response, a team came together to provide just that, securing their first house in Clapham to accommodate a group of homeless men and women. From there, the organisation continued to grow organically. As people progressed through rehab, another need emerged: somewhere to transition to next, to keep moving forward.
More than 30 years on, Kairos has properties all over London, including rehabilitation units, an abstinence hostel, and over thirty Move On homes. Their programmes are tailored to individual needs and supported by a team of 48 staff and 24 volunteers, many of whom have lived experience. Peer support, creative programmes, and counselling all form part of their holistic approach.
The impetus to respond and grow organically to the needs in front of them has underpinned Kairos’ development and their ability to continue transforming lives.
Securing stability through investment
In June 2025, Kairos faced a challenge: the lease on one of their properties in Wandsworth was ending. Having operated in the borough for over two decades, the team needed to act quickly to secure a new site to continue supporting residents who had built up support and access to local services.
Through an investment from the Community Builders Fund, they were able to purchase a new 7-bed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) property, preserving important housing capacity and ensuring the least disruption possible for the occupants.
“We wanted to keep that presence and we’re delighted that we have been able to do that” says Director Mossie Lyons.
With support from Homeless Link and Social Investment Business (SIB), Kairos was able to secure the accommodation for current and future residents without draining the organisation’s reserves. “It has struck me that it’s a very, very valuable kind of fund,” says Lyons.
The investment granted Kairos and its resident’s stability, preserved essential capacity and gave the team the confidence to act quickly – all while ensuring continuity of care that’s at the heart of their mission.
Responding in partnership
Kairos’ services are built in partnership with residents and local organisations – from counselling and peer mentoring to creative and vocational programmes. These form an integral part of how people reconnect, become socially involved, and build confidence.
“All of these services have evolved organically in response to a need that people were telling us.” Adrianna Jones, Communications and Development Officer.
Several of their properties also reflect this tailored approach: women-only houses, accommodation for people leaving the criminal justice system, and accommodation for people with complex needs. Many residents stay for up to two years, supported along structured pathways toward independent living.
“It may sound counterintuitive,” says Lyons, “but one of the main aims of the support is to get people to a place where they can prosper – not just exist, but actually thrive without [the programme].”
A lasting impact
Kairos Community Trust is an example of how timely, flexible and values-aligned social investment can help safeguard and protect vital services that will continue to have impact well into the future.
