Who we
are
A charity. A social enterprise. A movement.
Social Bite is a leading homelessness charity and social business driving change across the UK.
We bring together an amazing network of volunteers, donors, fundraisers, and partner organisations, united by our goal of ending homelessness.
Where it all began
From a single Edinburgh coffee shop to a mighty mission-driven movement.
Social Bite was co-founded by Josh Littlejohn MBE and Alice Thompson in 2012, beginning life as a small coffee shop in Edinburgh. From the start, all profits went to good causes.
Shortly after the Rose Street shop opened, a young man called Peter, who had been selling The Big Issue outside, plucked up the courage to come in and ask for a job. Recognising his initiative, Josh and Alice brought him onto the team.
Seeing the impact stable employment had on Peter’s life convinced them to embed supported employment for people with experience of homelessness into the heart of the business. And they set a long-term aim to continue hiring people from a background of homelessness. Everything that’s happened since began with that first conversation.
Ending homelessness in the UK
We’re on a mission to end homelessness, driving systemic change towards a kinder society.
We’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, pioneering new ideas across food, homes, and jobs. We’re here to prove what works and share what we learn. We’re also committed to helping policymakers, local authorities, and employers support people out of homelessness. We believe everyone deserves dignity, stability, and opportunity.
Together we’re stronger
We’re building partnerships in the public and private sectors, and growing a collective of passionate supporters. Our work is part of a bigger movement, alongside other homelessness charities and organisations that help people in crisis.
Getting involved with our mission can be as simple as “paying it forward” in one of our coffee shops, supporting our free food service. Or it could be as involved as helping us build a new Social Bite Village.
We’re all in this together. And when we join forces, we really can achieve what may feel impossible.
Will you help end homelessness for good?
This is just the start
We’ve supported thousands of people since 2012. And our ambitions keep expanding as we push for an end to homelessness in the UK.
140,000+
food and drink items distributed annually to people who are homeless and vulnerable across the UK.
1,000+
people housed through our accommodation projects and partnerships.
120+
people helped into meaningful, lasting employment through our Jobs First initiative.