Ethos is the characteristic belief and spirit of a given organisation As a constitutional partnership between the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and Westminster Cathedral, The Passage derives its ethos from the life and mission of Jesus Christ who said, "whatever you do to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you do to me", as specifically manifested in the life of Vincent de Paul (1580- 1660).

Vincent was a missionary priest and a major social reformer in 17th century Europe. He believed in action rather than words and in hands-on service to vulnerable people that was practical and holistic. He took risks, was innovative and worked with all sections of society whilst challenging anything in Church or State that was detrimental to the needs of vulnerable people of all kinds. His influence continues today under the auspices of many groups that bear his name. Thus The Passage is part of a 400-year-old international experience of the alleviation of poverty. In 1863 Vincent's Daughters of Charity opened the building on Carlisle Place, which is currently the home of The Passage Day Centre, The Passage Outreach Project and Montford House, and the work for homeless people can be traced back to that time.

The Passage respects and celebrates its founding ethos, retaining close links with the Daughters of Charity and Westminster Cathedral, and enjoys the support of a wide range of individuals and organisations. In keeping with its long tradition, The Passage strives to represent a respect for freedom, a passion for justice and a sharing of compassion for those otherwise passed by as invisible, set aside as having no social worth or disregarded as politically without influence.

The Passage places primary value on the basic human right to freedom of choice, housing, health services, and occupational opportunities, rejecting social and financial exclusion and working to remove obstacles that prevent the advancement of quality of life for homeless and disadvantaged people. We seek to address the individual needs of each homeless person in a holistic way, and all that we do is shaped and driven by this aim.

The Passage recognises that the values it holds are not exclusive to Christianity but they are distinctive and must be reflected in all its activities, policies and collaborative ventures.

The Passage provides a chaplaincy for those who seek it and a listening ear for the effects of "inner homelessness". It does not engage in any form of direct evangelism or the promulgation of any particular faith.

The Passage respects the beliefs and cultures of all who come in contact with it and has a holistic approach to service delivery.

The Passage is committed to providing the best possible quality services and consistency across the organisation, placing high value on a safe and welcoming environment for its users, staff and volunteers.

The Passage has a strong culture of volunteering which is crucial to our nature as a voluntary organisation. We believe that our ethos is greatly enhanced by those who give freely of their time and talent.

Whilst maintaining its independence, The Passage seeks to work collaboratively, in partnership with central and local government, and with other statutory and voluntary agencies, to work towards ending rough sleeping and ensuring the best possible options for homeless people. The Passage seeks to provide an honest voice for justice and where necessary discreetly mediates between the environment and those in need.

The Passage welcomes all its clients, staff, volunteers and partners with complete inclusivity and equality of opportunity, valuing the richness of diversity and respecting the goodness and motivation of all who contribute to its life and work. Our experience is that the common human values that unite us, whatever their source are more important than any beliefs that may set us apart.

In 2005 The Passage celebrated the 25th anniversary of its foundation by Cardinal Basil Hume and the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul.