| Spitalfields Crypt Trust | |
| Abbreviation: | SCT |
| Formation: | 1965 |
| Founding Location: | Spitalfields |
| Type: | Nonprofit |
| Headquarters: | Shoreditch High Street |
| Location City: | London |
| Region Served: | East London |
| Staff: | 70 |
Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is a charity based in Shoreditch, London that supports people in recovery from addictions, homelessness, and other complex needs.
SCT runs a residential recovery hostel (Acorn House),[1] a training and development centre, and two social enterprises from their hub in Shoreditch. It runs eight charity shops, drop in centres for homeless people, supported housing projects, and a Housing First programme.[2] [3] [4]
SCT's social enterprises include Restoration Station, a furniture restoration and upcycling shop which collaborates with local artists,[5] [6] and Paper and Cup, a coffee shop.[7] [8] The charity has also worked with local designer Ally Capellino to create tote bags from recycled fabric.[9] [10]
It operates in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest,[11] employing 70 staff and supporting over 600 people each year.[12]
In the bleak winter of 1965 a homeless man died on the steps of the vicarage of Christ Church, Spitalfields in Fournier Street, leading the vicar, the Rev Eddy Stride[13] to open up its crypt to homeless men in the area as a soup kitchen and night shelter. SCT was founded that November and opened by Princess Alexandra.[14]
In 2000 the charity moved its base to Shoreditch, and continues to support vulnerable people in the local area.[15] The charity has since held 'sleep-out' events on the steps of Christ Church to raise money and awareness.[16]
In September 2017, Prince William visited several of SCT's services in Shoreditch.[17]