A charity marked World Homeless Day with a formal event at the House of Lords.

Members of Caritas Anchor House, of Barking Road, Canning Town, came together for the special reception on Thursday.

Guests included East Ham MP, Stephen Timms, who praised the charity for the work they do.

During the event, he said: “What’s fantastic about Caritas Anchor House is that it gives people the prospect of a decent future, people that thought they would never have one, and support them into employment.”

Caritas Anchor House provides accommodation and support to single homeless people. In the last year alone, they provided a home for 231 people, helping 71 into independent living and supporting 63 into employment.

Dr Muhammad Bari, a Patron of the charity, said: “Caritas Anchor House has a truly unique model that focuses not only on helping homeless people to gain employment and move on to independent living, but that creates active citizens within the community.”

Caritas Anchor House was recently hit with a £1million VAT bill when Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reviewed the description of the charity’s services, and changed its status from “homeless hostel” to a “residential and life skills centre”.

This was as a result of the charity’s new development project which includes 25 new “move on” flats.

Monsignor John Armitage, Chair of Trustees at Caritas Anchor House, said the charity now needs help to ensure that every person who walks through their doors has access to the best care and support possible, making the hope of independent life a reality.

He said: “A strong community is one where we come together to support each other to make a positive difference. We need an all-out assault on poverty, and that can only be achieved by working together in partnership.”

For more information or to make a contribution to the charity visit: caritasanchorhouse.org.uk or call 0207 476 6062.