World Homeless Day Campaign
Every year on 10 October, World Homeless Day shines a light on the urgent need to support those living without the security of a home. It’s a day to reflect on how we can all play a role in helping to alleviate the hardships of homelessness.
Emmanuel House provides vital services to people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in crisis. This year, we need your help with a simple request: donate a sleeping bag.
Why Sleeping Bags?
We give out sleeping bags to people who are rough sleeping
More and more people are becoming homeless for the first time and have no choice but to sleep outside while they’re being supported by places like Emmanuel House and waiting for accommodation to become available.
It’s essential that people who are rough sleeping are able to access day centres like Emmanuel House, which provide warmth, respite, safety and community.
Our morning drop-in supports people who are rough sleeping with basic services such as food, hot showers, clean new clothes, washing machines and sleeping bags. Our team are on hand to provide specialist advice, helping people to find accommodation, sort out their benefits, make physical and mental health appointments, and empower people to recover from their experiences of homelessness. They provide essential support during a period of crisis, and a sleeping bag is often the start of this journey.
As winter approaches, temperatures begin to drop, and staying warm becomes a life-or-death matter for those sleeping rough. For many individuals who are homeless, a sleeping bag provides basic warmth and comfort, offering a little protection against the harshness of life on the streets.
We use sleeping bags for our Winter Shelter
Our Winter Shelter will be re-opening next week, providing short-term emergency accommodation for six months. Everyone who comes to the shelter has access to a camp bed, sleeping bag and pillow, as well as food, support and washing facilities.
Hear from Gary, who’s being supported by Emmanuel House
Radio Nottingham recently spoke to Gary while he was having breakfast at the morning drop-in. He’s been using Emmanuel House for a few months, and is being supported by our Wellbeing Support Team:
“I’ve been homeless since March, people have been saying to come down here and I did do a few months ago. One of the people at the centre, Clare, got in touch with Universal Credit so I came here for a meeting with them and had a good talk. She got me in touch with NPRAS [the city council’s private-rented assistance scheme], they’re looking to get me accommodation at the minute. It’s gone very quick over the last month.
“I’m a bit apprehensive because it’s going to be shared accommodation, so not knowing who’s going to be there with me, I suffer with anxiety, depression and mental health. So hopefully in 2-3 weeks times I’ll have a roof over my head. I’ve been sleeping rough mainly at the Arboretum. My first night sleeping rough in town someone tried to pickpocket me while I was asleep, so I now spend it on the Arboretum.”
How You Can Help
Here’s how you can get involved:
Donate New or Gently Used Sleeping Bags
We accept sleeping bags of all sizes, but warm, insulated, and waterproof varieties are especially useful for those sleeping outside. Please ensure they are clean and in good condition, as we don’t have the capacity to wash donations.
Spread the Word
Not everyone may be in a position to donate, but sharing our message can reach others who are. Use your social media channels to spread the word, or talk to friends and colleagues about supporting Emmanuel House on World Homeless Day.
Financial Donations
If you don’t have a sleeping bag to donate, a financial contribution can go a long way. Your donation will go towards the running of our morning drop-in service, which is open every weekday.
Organize a Sleeping Bag Drive
Consider organising a community collection drive, whether through your workplace, school, or local group. The more sleeping bags we can gather, the more individuals we can help stay safe and warm this winter.
Where to Donate
You can drop off sleeping bags directly at our support centre, Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm:
Emmanuel House Support Centre, 53–61 Goose Gate, Hockley, Nottingham, NG1 1FE
You can also order a sleeping bag online and get it delivered to us, or purchase one from our Amazon Wishlist.
Let’s come together on World Homeless Day to make a real difference to the lives of those who are homeless. A small gesture, like donating a sleeping bag, can have a huge impact on someone’s ability to stay warm and safe during the colder months. Together, we can create a community that cares for its most vulnerable people.
