Two elderly people sitting on brown leather sofas in a cosy living room with a patterned rug and wooden coffee table between them.

Who are Cambridge Cyrenians

Cambridge Cyrenians is a local charity working to prevent and relieve homelessness in Cambridge. For over 55 years, we have provided safe, stable homes and specialist support to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.

We believe that everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, respected and supported. That’s why we focus on providing real homes — not hostels — alongside practical and emotional support that helps people rebuild their lives.

Find out more

What makes us different

Community living

Our approach is rooted in dignity, stability and choice. Instead of large, temporary hostel environments, we provide small shared houses and self-contained flats where people can settle, take responsibility, and feel part of a community.

View our accommodation

Tailored support

Support is tailored to each individual. We work alongside people to understand their needs, build confidence, and move towards independence at a pace that works for them. For many, this stable foundation is the turning point that makes long-term change possible.

See how we can help

Our work in Cambridge

We support over 200 people each year through a range of accommodation and specialist services. This includes housing for people in immediate need, longer-term homes for those working towards independence, and specialist support for older people, people leaving prison, female-only accommodation, and people with mental health needs.

Donate today

View our latest annual review

Explore our latest Annual Review to see how Cambridge Cyrenians is
continuing to provide safe, supported homes and specialist services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Cambridge.

View the report

Meet the team

Behind our services is a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers who bring compassion, expertise and commitment to everything we do.

Meet the whole team
Black arrow pointing to the right on a transparent background.
Black arrow pointing to the right on a transparent background.
James Martin

Director

James has supported vulnerable people since 1998, beginning with the Princes Trust Volunteer Programme...

Emma Hooton

Head of Services

Emma has spent almost 25 years in the homelessness sector, starting as a Simon Community volunteer in London before building a long career at Cambridge Cyrenians...

Rikke Jensen

Services Manager

Rikke’s journey with Cambridge Cyrenians began long before she joined the staff team, starting as a live-in volunteer many years ago.

Kristian Claxton

Services Manager

Kristian began his career in support services while completing a master's degree in social work, undertaking placements with the Salvation Army and the NHS.

Shanice Jones

Volunteer & Resident Activity Manager

With over eight years' experience in the homelessness sector, Shanice is passionate about working with people, bridging and building communities.

Louisa Hallisey

Mental Health Practitioner

Louisa has worked as a mental health nurse for over 17 years, with experience in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Min-Hui Bird

Finance Manager

Min has been working in finance since 2006, with previous experience in the import and retail sector...

Kayleigh Wingate

Community Fundraiser

Passionate about helping people in need, Kayleigh has a background in social media, copywriting, communications, fundraising and digital engagement...

Behind every door

is a story

Our values

Empathetic

We listen, understand, and respond with compassion.

Respectful

We treat everyone with dignity, fairness and equality.

Empowering

We support people to make their own choices and move forward.

Pioneering

We find better ways to respond to homelessness and create change.

Inclusive

We welcome everyone and value people for who they are.

Flexible

We adapt our support to meet individual needs and circumstances.

News and Events

Stay up to date with what’s happening at Cambridge Cyrenians. From service updates and campaigns to community events and fundraising activities, this is where you’ll find the latest news from our organisation.

See what’s going on

Join the team

If you want to make a meaningful difference in your work, we’d love to hear from you. We offer opportunities to work and volunteer in a supportive, values-led organisation where people come first.

Join the team