Our Finances

Navigating an uncertain funding landscape while responding to ever growing demand

2025 was a landmark year for ShowerBox. We witnessed a significant increase in demand for our services, with an average of 70 showers being given each Saturday at our Central London location at St Giles Church, and a high of 94 showers being recorded in one session. Moreover, Over 300 individuals joined us each week for essential toiletries, underwear, hot drinks and the sense of community.

Recognising the growing need, we embarked on an ambitious expansion initiative in 2024. Our team of volunteers in Birmingham started to give showers from our shower van in April 2024, and our partnership project in Barking, East London (with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and Barking Churches Unite), launched at the end of 2024. This latest expansion marks a major milestone for ShowerBox, as such partnerships may enable us to offer our services to more people facing homelessness across the country.

How we are funded

Like many charities ShowerBox faces ongoing uncertainty regarding long-term funding. While 2025 saw welcome support through significant grants from esteemed organisations such as the John Coates Charitable Trust, the Vitol Foundation, The National Lottery, St Giles in the Field, and HS2 coupled with generous individual donations and fundraisers, securing sustainable funding remains a constant pursuit.

However, the ever-increasing demand for showers, shown by our year-on-year rise in guest numbers, ensures we remain undeterred.

We are deeply grateful to the aforementioned grant providers and individual donors. Their invaluable support has allowed us to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. However, to ensure the long-term sustainability of our shower services and meet the growing needs of our guests, we are always actively seeking additional funding and sponsorship opportunities.

How we spend donations

In 2024 we expect to spend £55,000 running our campaign in London and Birmingham.

In order for ShowerBox to continue to operate through 2024 and into 2025 we need to raise over £55,000. The demand for our services in London is rising each year, and we fully expect the same in Birmingham after the launch of our ShowerBox service in Birmingham city centre.

We keep our costs low by leveraging our dedicated team of volunteers, without whom we simply couldn’t operate. However, volunteer power alone cannot bridge the current funding gap, and we urgently appeal for your financial support. Every donation helps ensure we continue our vital work, offering hope and dignity to people experiencing homelessness in both London, Birmingham, Barking and beyond. With your help, we can continue to make a lasting impact on many lives.