As winter brings colder temperatures and longer nights, many people experiencing homelessness face increased risks from freezing weather, hunger, isolation, and poor health. A warm meal, a safe place to sleep, clean clothing, or simply a kind conversation can make a meaningful difference to someone struggling through the season. Whether you choose to donate to a local homeless charity, volunteer your time, provide warm clothing, or support community outreach projects, every act of compassion helps bring hope and dignity to those who need it most.
Helping people experiencing homelessness is about more than meeting immediate needs—it is about showing kindness, respect, and reminding people that they are not forgotten. Churches, community groups, businesses, and individuals all have a part to play in creating a warmer, more caring community during the winter months. Together, we can make a lasting impact by offering practical support, encouraging long-term solutions, and extending compassion to those facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances.
People who are lying on concrete homeless after hours with only a thin blanket or sleeping bag to protect you are going to feel numb with the cold. That is not a good way to start the day, let alone you have nothing to keep you warm during the day because their clothing is worn out.
Everyone’s circumstances are different. If it is safe to do so, asking, “Is there anything you need today?” can help ensure your gift is both respectful and genuinely useful.
Stay Safe
Helping someone experiencing homelessness is a compassionate act, but it is important to look after your own safety as well. If possible, give items in a well-lit public place and be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts and never feel pressured to enter a situation that makes you uncomfortable. If you are carrying cash, avoid displaying large amounts, and consider giving practical items or care packages instead. Treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect, while maintaining appropriate personal boundaries. If someone appears to be in immediate danger, seriously unwell, or at risk from the cold, contact the relevant emergency services or local outreach team so they can receive the help they need.
On this page you find Winter donations, Donations all year round, Summer donations, How your church can help, and charities links.
What to Give a Homeless Person During the Winter
Winter can be one of the most dangerous times of year for people experiencing homelessness. Cold temperatures, rain, snow, and icy conditions increase the risk of illness and hypothermia. A thoughtfully prepared winter care package can provide warmth, comfort, and practical support.
Warm Clothing
• Warm waterproof coat
• Thermal base layers
• Thick jumpers or fleeces
• Thermal socks
• Warm underwear
• Gloves
• Woolly hat
• Scarf
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm boots
• Hand warmers
• Foot warmers
Warm Bedding
• Sleeping bag (winter-rated if possible)
• Thermal blanket
• Fleece blanket
• Sleeping mat
• Small pillow
Food and Drink
• Bottled water
• Vacuum flask
• Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate sachets
• Cup-a-Soup sachets
• Instant porridge pots
• Pot noodles or instant meals
• Tinned meals with ring-pull lids
• Tinned soup
• Cereal bars
• Protein bars
• Crackers
• Biscuits
• Dried fruit
• Long-life milk cartons
Donations all year round
List of items you could donate
Hygiene Essentials
• Wet wipes
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Razor and shaving cream
• Comb or hairbrush
• Tissues
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene products
• Nail clippers
First Aid
• Plasters
• Blister plasters
• Antiseptic wipes
• Basic first aid kit
• Insect bite cream
• Insect repellent
Everyday Essentials
• Backpack or rucksack
• Reusable shopping bag
• Phone charging cable
• Portable power bank
• Torch
• Batteries
• Notepad and pen
• Reusable cutlery
• Can opener
• Zip-lock bags
• Reusable food container
Comfort Items
• Lightweight blanket
• Small towel
• Pillow
• Book or magazine
• Puzzle book
• Playing cards
Pet Supplies (if they have a dog)
• Dog food
• Dog treats
• Foldable water bowl
• Dog lead
• Waste bags
Information and Support
• Local homeless shelter addresses
• Food bank locations
• Soup kitchen details
• Community meal providers
• Free shower and laundry facilities
• Local healthcare services
• Mental health support contacts
• Addiction recovery services
• Employment and housing advice
• Emergency contact numbers
What to Give a Homeless Person During the Summer
Summer brings its own challenges for people experiencing homelessness. High temperatures, dehydration, sun exposure, and limited access to clean water or shelter can quickly become dangerous. A thoughtfully prepared care package can make a real difference.
Hydration
• Bottled water
• Reusable water bottle
• Electrolyte tablets or sachets
• Fruit juice cartons
• Sports drinks (in moderation)
Food
• Cereal bars
• Protein bars
• Crackers
• Trail mix (where appropriate)
• Dried fruit
• Apples
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Tinned fruit with a pull ring
• Easy-open canned meals
• Instant noodles (where hot water is available)
• Biscuits
• Peanut butter sachets (if appropriate)
• Tuna or chicken pouches
• Fruit cups
• Long-life milk cartons
Sun Protection
• High SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Lightweight umbrella for shade
Cooling Items
• Cooling towel
• Cooling neck wrap
• Hand fan (manual or battery-powered)
• Reusable cooling packs (where practical)
Clothing
• Lightweight T-shirts
• Shorts
• Fresh underwear
• Thin socks
• Comfortable trainers
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Lightweight hoodie for cooler evenings
How Your Church Can Help
The local church is uniquely placed to demonstrate compassion and bring hope to people experiencing homelessness. Beyond meeting immediate physical needs, churches can offer friendship, dignity, and a welcoming community. Every church, regardless of its size, can make a meaningful difference.
Some practical ways your church can help include:
• Organise regular food collections and distribute care packages.
• Run a winter coat, hat, glove, and blanket donation drive.
• Partner with local homeless charities, shelters, and outreach organisations.
• Offer hot meals, drinks, and a warm, safe space during cold weather.
• Create “Winter Care Packs” filled with essential items.
• Collect sleeping bags, tents, and thermal clothing for outreach teams where appropriate.
• Provide shower, laundry, and hygiene facilities if your building allows.
• Support local food banks and community pantries through donations and volunteers.
• Offer pastoral care, prayer, and a listening ear to those who need encouragement.
• Help people access housing support, healthcare, benefits advice, and employment services by signposting them to local organisations.
• Encourage church members to volunteer with local outreach programmes.
• Organise fundraising events to support homelessness charities and community projects.
• Pray regularly for people experiencing homelessness, those working in outreach, and for lasting solutions to homelessness within your community.
• Church collection
• Christmas dinner for the homeless,
• Set up a just giving page
• Provide warm spaces
Above all, remember that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. A warm smile, a conversation, and genuine compassion can be just as valuable as the items you give. The church has the opportunity not only to meet practical needs but also to share hope, build relationships, and remind people that they are seen, valued, and loved.
See our page on Volunteering
Here are some UK charities that you can help directly
Crises https://www.crisis.org.uk/
Shelter https://england.shelter.org.uk/
Centre Point https://centrepoint.org.uk/
Help The Homeless https://www.help-the-homeless.org.uk/
Church Urban Fund https://cuf.org.uk/advent
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