Everyday help

• Smile!

  People become homeless for all sorts of reasons, among them abuse, redundancy and mental illness. Never stereotype regarding people’s situation, this could just as soon be your neighbour. Be compassionate and always smile or say something kind.

• Buy the Big Issue

  This fantastic organisation gives homeless people the opportunity to help themselves, acting as vendors, writers and designers for this weekly magazine. Priced at £2.50, 50% of the cover value goes straight to the vendor, and gives you the opportunity to learn more about societal issues from an unfamiliar perspective.

• Give food or a hot drink

  If you don’t feel comfortable handing over change - or have switched largely to contactless - a helpful alternative is food donations! If you’re making lunch, why not make an extra helping? Or grab a spare sandwich when you nip to the supermarket at lunch. As the colder weather sets in a hot drink can lift spirits and shows you care about those taking the brunt of harsher conditions.

• Donate Recyclables

  Replacing a coat or scarf this winter? In wet or cold weather, a quality coat or rain jacket could help make the everyday challenges of sleeping rough more manageable for someone, so don’t throw out anything without considering its re-use first.

Volunteer

You can volunteer in all sorts of interesting and niche ways to help the homeless. Perhaps the most well-kown ways to volunteer your time are in a soup kitchen, shelter or charity shop. In a shelter you could use your skills, passions and hobbies to support and teach others. From arts and craft workshops to yoga, football, book clubs and ESOL lessons a lot of shelters appreciate those who can bring diversity and fun to their sessions. For those still studying, one way to get administrative experience for the CV is to volunteer in a charity's office, aiding with time-consuming but essential tasks like data entry and tax relief.

Below are some of the charities which are actively looking for volunteer support:

• Cardinal Hume Centre
• Centrepoint
• Connection at St Martins
• Crisis at Christmas
• Depaul UK
• Glassdoor
• Passage
• Providence Row
• Salvation Army
• Shelter from the Storm
• Spires
• Streetlytes
• St Mungos
• Thames Reach
• The Upper Room
• West London Mission

Remote support and raising awareness

• Send a card/letter

  Let someone know you care

• Sign petitions and share them with family and friends

  Put pressure on the people who can impact big change Write to your local

• Shop smart

  Choose businesses which support the homeless population. Some cafes offer one sandwich to the homeless for every purchase.

• Set up a discussion group/university or school society

• Write a piece for the local/university newspaper or bulletin for the school newsletter

Fundraising and donations

• Fundraising events

  Organise a sponsored skydives, make a World Record attempt, take part in fun-runs...this list goes on. Some active events are aimed specifically at helping the homeless, for example Steets of London a speed hike annually.

• Donate

  Either through a monthly direct debit or with one off payments, most charities will greatly appreicate an individual's donation. You could also suggest a homeless charity as the focus for your business’ goodwill or outreach project. Donations also need not be monetary; donating to foodbanks or putting aside clothes, toys and books for shelters or charity shops is a great way to help.

Get in touch

To find out more please get in touch! Comments and enquiries are welcomed. If you are seeking help please see our page regarding where to find help in London here.

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