Emmaus Hull & East Riding has launched an urgent appeal for essential items to support people who are street homeless.
With temperatures dropping and winter setting in, our Emmaus Hull & East Riding Outreach team is appealing for items they can share with the people they support. We are appealing for donations of winter coats, warm and waterproof clothing, men’s XL clothing, new men’s underwear, sleeping bags and non-perishable food such as crisps and chocolate bars.
Nell Hackney, Outreach Team Leader at Emmaus Hull & East Riding, said: “Whatever the weather, our dedicated Emmaus Outreach team are out across our region, giving friendly support and essential items to people who genuinely need them.
“We’ve launched a Cold Weather Appeal as our stocks are running low and certain items are in high demand. Whilst much of our efforts are focused on helping people inside and securing their own accommodation, for some, it takes time and ongoing support to help them break the cycle of homelessness.”
Helping people in desperate need
Emmaus delivers an outreach service across the East Riding, providing direct support to people who are street homeless. In addition, we also have a residential community, providing a home, training, work opportunities and individual support for upto 30 people who have experienced homelessness.
Ray Murphy, Outreach Worker at Emmaus Hull & East Riding, said: “I start at either 5am or 7am as that’s the best time to meet people who are actually sleeping rough. We see if there have been any reports of rough sleepers during the night. If not, we go out to the people and locations we know, checking in on people and giving them the support they need.
“Some of the people we support are in the process of referring in to get accommodation. Other people are more reluctant to come inside so we make sure they’re alright and offer food, clothes and toiletries. The most satisfying thing about my role is when we find someone accommodation and they appreciate it.”
If you have items to donate to our appeal, please drop them off at our three charity shops in Hull. Be sure to box or bag donations and label them for ‘Outreach’ before dropping them off.
Find out more about the different ways you can support our charity.