About CARE
For over 30 years, CARE has worked in the heart of Grimsby and Cleethorpes, supporting people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. We provide housing, crisis support and practical help to anyone who needs it, without judgment and without barriers. Whether someone is facing homelessness, dealing with poverty or simply needs somewhere safe to turn, we're here.
How we began
David Robinson founded CARE because he believed faith should mean action, not just words. At the time, a lot of people in Grimsby were struggling with poverty, debt and housing insecurity, but many didn't feel comfortable asking traditional institutions for help.
The first CARE shop opened on the seafront in Cleethorpes with a promise that people would be treated with respect and given good quality items, not leftovers. We provided beds, cookers, furniture and household goods so people could rebuild their lives without falling deeper into debt. David wrote at the time that CARE should be "significant enough to be missed if it was no longer there." That sense of responsibility to the town has continued ever since.
What CARE means
CARE stands for Christian Action & Resource Enterprise, and from the beginning our work has been open to everyone. Our faith has shaped our values of love, dignity and compassion for our community. When someone comes to CARE in crisis, we offer them a seat, a hot drink and time to talk before any paperwork. They're met where they are, with kindness and care. We treat every person as worthy of respect, and we believe in going above and beyond to help people rebuild their lives.
Our Services
We provide safe, stable homes for individuals and families who need a high level of housing support. Properties are leased from private landlords and offered without deposits, guarantors, or advance rent. Our housing staff visit regularly to check the property, help tenants manage bills and benefits, address tenancy issues quickly, and make sure repairs are reported and completed. Tenants are supported to maintain their home and develop the skills needed for independent living. When their tenancy with CARE ends, we work with them to move into suitable long-term housing.
A Place of Sanctuary
Back in 2011, our then General Manager Sarah Taylor shared a vision for the future of a place of sanctuary in the heart of the town. Not a church or religious space, but somewhere open to all, full of life, warmth and safety. For many years we continued working from buildings that were cramped and unsuitable, relying on the dedication of our staff to create welcome in difficult surroundings. Then in 2023 the opportunity arose to buy 86-88 Victoria Street in the centre of Grimsby, and for us it felt like the right building at the right time.
Moving to Victoria Street
On Blue Monday in January 2026, we opened the doors of our new home on Victoria Street. The building has been carefully restored to create a public living room for Grimsby where people can simply come in, sit down and feel able to stay. Alongside this welcoming space, the building brings together our housing, crisis and support services under one roof.
Every design choice has been made with dignity in mind because we believe people deserve beauty and care, especially in their hardest moments.
CARE Today
CARE is still a place where people are welcomed unconditionally, where needs are taken seriously, and where care is offered with respect. One person once described CARE as “the tree of Grimsby, with roots spreading out all over the town”. That image has stayed with us because it captures something essential about what we do, which is reaching outward into the community to where we're needed most. A woman we supported recently wrote to us saying, "I couldn't have done it without CARE. I didn't even know where to begin. CARE gave me strength when I had none left. Now my daughter and I can move forward without fear." That's what we're here for, to be there in those moments when people need somewhere to turn and someone who will listen.
Whether you come to CARE for help, to volunteer, or simply to sit with a cup of tea, you're welcome here.
How to Support Us
As a non-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of people like you.
There are many ways to get involved:
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Donate items to our shop
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Give a one-off or regular monetary gift
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Volunteer your time and skills
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Fundraise for CARE in your community
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Partner with us on housing projects
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Sponsor us through your business or organisation
Your support helps us reach the most vulnerable in our community - providing safe homes, essential items, and the reassurance of knowing someone cares.
With your help, we can be there for even more people.
When someone walks through our door, potentially we can help them find a roof over their head, put food in their cupboards, a bed to sleep on, gas to heat their home with, electric to cook with, and the ongoing support of a familiar face to help them through their crisis.