This Winter Help The Homeless

Making a Difference When the Cold Weather Comes

Winter can be a difficult time for many people, but for those experiencing homelessness, the colder months can bring additional hardship and danger.

While many of us can return to a warm home, prepare a hot meal and sleep in a safe bed, others may be sleeping rough, staying in temporary accommodation, moving between places to stay or living in insecure housing.

As Christians, we are called to care for others and to recognise the needs of those around us.

Helping people experiencing homelessness does not always require a huge gesture.

Sometimes it begins with noticing.

Sometimes it means giving your time.

Sometimes it means supporting a charity.

Sometimes it means providing practical items.

Sometimes it means treating another person with dignity and kindness.

This winter, consider what you, your family, church or community can do to help.

Homelessness Is More Than Sleeping Rough

When people hear the word homelessness, they often picture someone sleeping on the streets.

Sleeping rough is one form of homelessness, but the reality can be much broader.

People may experience homelessness while:

• Sleeping rough.
• Staying in emergency accommodation.
• Moving between friends or family members.
• Living in temporary accommodation.
• Staying in a hostel or shelter.
• Facing eviction.
• Leaving unsafe accommodation.
• Having nowhere stable or secure to live.

Behind every situation is a person with a story.

Homelessness can affect people of different ages and backgrounds.

It may follow a relationship breakdown, financial difficulties, job loss, bereavement, family problems or other difficult circumstances.

We should avoid making assumptions about why someone is homeless.

Instead, we can begin with compassion.

Winter Can Make Life Even Harder

Cold weather can make an already difficult situation even more challenging.

People without safe and secure accommodation may face:

• Cold temperatures.
• Rain and snow.
• Damp clothing.
• Difficulty staying warm.
• Limited access to washing facilities.
• Difficulty finding somewhere safe to sleep.
• Isolation.
• Hunger.
• Exhaustion.

This is why winter is an important time for churches and communities to think about how they can support people experiencing homelessness.

But compassion should not end when winter does.

Homelessness is a challenge throughout the year.

Start by Seeing the Person

It can be easy to see homelessness as a problem rather than seeing the individual person in front of us.

We may walk past someone and avoid eye contact.

We may feel uncomfortable.

We may not know what to say.

But every person deserves dignity.

A simple greeting can remind someone that they are seen.

Kindness costs nothing.

This does not mean putting yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe. Use wisdom and appropriate boundaries.

But whenever possible, choose compassion rather than indifference.

What Can You Do?

You may wonder what difference one person can make.

The answer is: more than you may realise.

Here are some practical ways to help.

Donate Warm Clothing

Winter clothing can make a significant difference.

Consider donating items such as:

• New socks.
• Hats.
• Gloves.
• Scarves.
• Coats.
• Jumpers.
• Thermal clothing.
• Waterproof clothing.

Before donating, check what your local homeless charity, shelter or outreach organisation actually needs.

Some organisations may have specific requirements or limited storage space.

Create a Winter Care Pack

Your church, family, school or community group could collect practical items to create winter care packs.

Depending on the organisation you are supporting, useful items may include:

• New socks.
• Gloves.
• Hats.
• Toiletries.
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste.
• Wet wipes.
• Menstrual hygiene products.
• Non-perishable food.
• Bottled water.
• Hand warmers.
• Other practical essentials requested by local organisations.

Always check with the organisation first.

The best donations are the ones people genuinely need.

Support a Local Food Project

Food insecurity and homelessness can often be connected.

You could support:

• Food banks.
• Community kitchens.
• Soup kitchens.
• Church food projects.
• Homeless shelters.
• Local charities.

Your church could organise a collection of food or essential items.

Even a small donation can contribute to a larger community effort.

Give Your Time

Money and donations are valuable, but your time can also make a difference.

Depending on your skills and the opportunities available, you might volunteer to:

• Prepare meals.
• Serve food.
• Sort donations.
• Help at a shelter.
• Support a food project.
• Assist with administration.
• Help organise fundraising.
• Offer practical skills.

Always volunteer through an established organisation where appropriate, particularly when working with vulnerable adults or children.

Use Your Skills

Everyone has something they can offer.

Perhaps you are good at:

• Cooking.
• Administration.
• Fundraising.
• Photography.
• Social media.
• Graphic design.
• DIY.
• Organising events.
• Driving.
• Writing.
• Listening.
• Technology.

Your skills could help a local organisation reach more people and provide better support.

You do not have to do everything yourself.

Sometimes helping an organisation do its work more effectively is one of the best ways to make a difference.

Organise a Church Collection

Churches can bring people together to make a bigger impact.

Consider organising a winter collection.

You could ask members to donate specific items over several weeks.

For example:

Week One	New socks and gloves.
Week Two	Hats and warm clothing.
Week Three	Toiletries and hygiene products.
Week Four	Non-perishable food.

Work with a local organisation so that your collection responds to genuine needs.

Organise a Fundraiser

Fundraising can help charities provide practical support and professional services.

Your church or community could organise:

• A sponsored walk.
• A coffee morning.
• A charity concert.
• A quiz night.
• A community meal.
• A bake sale.
• A sponsored challenge.
• A Christmas event.
• An online fundraiser.

You could also encourage people to donate in place of exchanging unnecessary gifts.

The event itself can raise awareness as well as money.

Support a Homelessness Charity

Established charities and local organisations often have the experience, resources and knowledge needed to provide effective support.

They may help people access:

• Emergency accommodation.
• Advice.
• Food.
• Clothing.
• Healthcare.
• Housing support.
• Employment support.
• Benefits advice.
• Longer-term assistance.

Supporting organisations already working in this area can be an effective way to make a difference.

Work Together as Churches

One church may have limited resources.

But several churches working together can achieve much more.

Churches could cooperate to:

• Collect donations.
• Support a local shelter.
• Organise meals.
• Raise funds.
• Provide volunteers.
• Run awareness events.
• Partner with community organisations.

Working together can prevent unnecessary duplication and help communities respond more effectively.

Don’t Assume You Know What Someone Needs

It is easy to decide what we think people need.

But listening is important.

An organisation working directly with people experiencing homelessness may identify needs that are different from what we expect.

Before starting a major project, ask:

What is already being provided?	What is missing?
Where can we help?	Who should we work alongside?

The best community projects are often built through partnership and listening.

Help With Dignity

How we help matters.

People experiencing homelessness should not be treated as charity projects.

They should be treated with dignity and respect.

Avoid taking photographs of people without their clear permission.

Do not share someone’s personal story without consent.

Do not assume you know what has happened in their life.

Listen.

Respect boundaries.

Treat people as individuals.

Compassion should never remove someone’s dignity.

Christmas Can Be a Difficult Time

Christmas is often presented as a season of family, celebration and togetherness.

For someone who is homeless or isolated, it can also be a painful reminder of what they have lost.

Churches may consider organising:

• Christmas meals.
• Community gatherings.
• Practical support.
• Gift collections.
• Winter care packs.
• Opportunities for companionship.

The most valuable gift may sometimes be the knowledge that someone has not been forgotten.

Look Beyond the Christmas Season

It is easy to become more generous during December and then move on.

But homelessness does not end when Christmas decorations come down.

The cold weather can continue.

People may still need support in January, February and beyond.

Consider creating projects that continue throughout the winter rather than focusing on one day or event.

Consistency can be more valuable than a single act of generosity.

Involve Children and Young People

Helping others can be a valuable opportunity to teach children and young people about compassion and service.

They could help:

• Collect donations.
• Create cards.
• Organise a fundraiser.
• Sort suitable items.
• Raise awareness.
• Take part in a sponsored event.

Make sure activities are age-appropriate and that children understand the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Pray for People Experiencing Homelessness

Prayer should also be part of our response.

Pray for:

People sleeping rough.	Families facing homelessness.	Those living in temporary accommodation.
Charities and volunteers.	Housing workers.	Local communities.
Churches seeking to help.	People facing eviction or financial difficulties.	Those who feel isolated or forgotten.

Prayer should not replace practical action when we are able to help.

Instead, prayer and action can work together.

A Challenge for Your Church

This winter, ask your church:

What can we do?

Perhaps you could begin with one simple project.

Collect	Gather practical items requested by a local organisation.
Give	Raise funds to support homelessness services.
Serve	Provide volunteers for an established project.
Connect	Work with other churches and local organisations.
Pray	Commit to regularly praying for people experiencing homelessness.
Continue	Think beyond Christmas and create support that lasts throughout the winter.

You do not have to solve homelessness on your own.

But you can choose not to ignore it.

Small Acts Can Have a Big Impact

Never underestimate what can happen when a community works together.

One person donates a pair of socks.

Another gives a few hours of their time.

Another prepares a meal.

Another makes a financial donation.

Another prays.

Another organises an event.

Another shares information.

Individually, these actions may seem small.

Together, they can make a significant difference.

A small act of kindness can create a ripple.

Be More Than a Sunday Church

Church should not only be about what happens inside a building on a Sunday.

The love of Christ should influence how we respond to the needs of the world around us.

When we see people who are struggling, we have an opportunity to demonstrate compassion.

This may involve giving.

It may involve serving.

It may involve listening.

It may involve partnering with others.

It may involve speaking up.

Faith becomes visible through love in action.

What Can You Do This Week?

You do not need to wait until everything is perfectly organised.

Start with one step.

This week, you could:

• Find a local homelessness organisation to support.
• Donate suitable winter clothing.
• Give a financial donation.
• Volunteer.
• Organise a church collection.
• Ask your church leaders about existing projects.
• Encourage friends to get involved.
• Pray for people experiencing homelessness.
• Share information about local support.

One action can lead to another.

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.

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

	High SPF sunscreen
	Lip balm with SPF
	Sun hat or baseball cap
	Sunglasses with UV protection
	Lightweight umbrella for shade
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

IMPORTANT

When providing food for people experiencing homelessness, it is important to remember that they may have food allergies or intolerances, just like anyone else. Where possible, clearly label ingredients and allergens, and never assume that a person’s circumstances mean they can safely eat anything offered.

Conclusion

This winter, help the homeless.

But remember that helping is about more than handing over an item or making a donation.

It is about recognising the dignity and humanity of every person.

It is about refusing to look away.

It is about understanding that homelessness is complex and that lasting support often requires experienced organisations, practical resources and long-term commitment.

You may not be able to change everything.

You may not be able to help everyone.

But you can help someone.

You can give.

You can serve.

You can pray.

You can encourage others.

You can support organisations doing valuable work.

You can help your church become more involved in its community.

And you can choose compassion.

This winter, don’t just ask, “What can someone else do?” Ask, “What can I do?”

A warm coat.

A hot meal.

A financial gift.

A few hours of volunteering.

A practical collection.

A conversation.

A prayer.

These things may seem small.

But to someone who is cold, hungry, lonely or struggling, a small act of kindness can mean more than we will ever know.

14-Day Bible Reading Plan: This Winter, Help the Homeless

Day 1 — Caring for Those in Need

Reading: Matthew 25:31–46

Day 2 — True Compassion

Reading: Isaiah 58:6–12

Day 3 — Loving Your Neighbour

Reading: Luke 10:25–37

Day 4 — Generosity

Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6–15

Day 5 — Sharing What We Have

Reading: Acts 4:32–37

Day 6 — Faith in Action

Reading: James 2:14–17

Day 7 — Caring for Others

Reading: Galatians 6:1–10

Day 8 — Hospitality

Reading: Romans 12:9–13

Day 9 — Remembering Those in Need

Reading: Hebrews 13:1–3

Day 10 — Serving Others

Reading: Mark 10:35–45

Day 11 — Loving in Action

Reading: 1 John 3:16–18

Day 12 — Encouraging Generosity

Reading: 1 Timothy 6:17–19

Day 13 — Being a Light

Reading: Matthew 5:13–16

Day 14 — Living a Life of Love

Reading: Colossians 3:12–17

Reflection

Take time to consider how you, your church or your community could support people experiencing homelessness this winter.

• What homelessness or housing organisations operate in our area?
• What practical needs exist in our community?
• What items are local organisations currently asking for?
• Could our church organise a winter collection?
• Could we volunteer with an established project?
• Could we raise funds for a homelessness charity?
• How can we help while respecting people’s dignity?
• Are we listening to the people and organisations already doing this work?
• How can we support people beyond the Christmas season?
• What is one practical thing I can do this week?

A Final Thought

You may not be able to end homelessness on your own, but you can make a difference. This winter, let compassion become action and help someone know that they have not been forgotten.

See our page on Volunteering

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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