The charity was founded by the Anglo-Catholic socialist priest Kenneth Leech and set up its first shelter in St Anne's Church, Soho, on 16 December 1969.
[6] The organisation was named Centrepoint in response to the building Centre Point being seen as an "affront to the homeless" for being left empty to make money for the property developer.
[10][11] Its ambassadors include the Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox, the fashion model Lady Kitty Spencer, the actress Lisa Maxwell, and the journalist and presenter Kirsty Young.
In 2017, Centrepoint launched a helpline that offers instant advice to abuse victims and young people who can no longer stay in the family home.
This housing is designed to accommodate young adults aged 18 to 24, providing them with affordable living arrangements where rent is limited to one-third of their take-home pay.
[15][16] In July 2023, Centrepoint launched a £150,000 brand refresh, including an updated website and logo with the slogan "Ending youth homelessness," aiming to centralize resources for young people.