Local Causes
Volunteering For Homeless Charities In Leeds
Why Volunteer For A Homeless Charity In Leeds?
Not having a safe space to go at the end of each day is sadly a common occurrence for thousands of people across the UK. Being homeless can be a result of many things, from escaping an abusive relationship to being unable to find work due to illness.
It's in cities and large towns that you'll find the most people living on the streets. Unfortunately, Leeds has a particularly high rate of people registering as homeless. In 2018, over 11,000 cases of homelessness were reported to the city council. Thankfully, Leeds is also blessed with some truly amazing homeless charities that are dedicated to building a brighter future for those who are homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness.
You can keep these charities running and help support Leeds's homeless by getting involved with volunteering or fundraising.
Homeless Charities In Leeds That Need Your Support
Founded in France to help tackle the country's growing homelessness problem after World War Two, Emmaus has since expanded to operate throughout the UK. As well as providing safe shelter to those in need, the charity tries to improve people's lives by offering them a real home and the chance to work in a social enterprise.
Emmaus Leeds opened in 2003 and is now able to offer a home and work opportunities to 26 people at any one time. You'll also find three Emmaus charity shops in the area. These are in constant need of donations of goods as well as volunteers to assist with stocktaking and customer service.
Simon on the Streets is a Leeds homeless charity that goes directly to those sleeping on the streets of the city and refers them to organisations who can help. Many homeless people will not reach out for support themselves, so the charity's street-based assistance ensures they get the right kind of emotional and practical aid.
If you would like to get involved, why not volunteer with Simon on the Streets as a street support worker and assist with outreach, or help out with the charity's important fundraising efforts?
Run by the Trussell Trust, the Leeds Foodbank can provide packages of three days worth of emergency food to those in need. The organisation has several centres in north and south Leeds that give out food parcels to those who have been referred to the service. All are largely run by volunteers who sort through donations, package them up and distribute them.
The Leeds Foodbank is always in need of donations of food items. You can take a look at the charity's website to see what products they currently require. You could also get in touch to see if you can volunteer at a distribution centre with tasks like packaging up food, greeting visitors and chatting with them to find out what other assistance they might need.
Founded in the 1930s, St George's Crypt is a Christian homeless charity that is able to offer those in need a hot meal and somewhere safe to sleep. The charity runs two centres for the homeless - Regent House hostel and the Crypt, a night shelter and street kitchen.
St George's Crypt provides other amazing services to the city's homeless, from health and wellbeing clinics to training and development opportunities within several social enterprises. The charity has multiple volunteering opportunities available, including fundraising events, helping out in the kitchens at the Crypt and assisting at Regent House.
How Can You Help?
As well as becoming a volunteer in Leeds with one of the great charities listed above, take a look at our Local Causes directory for even more ways to help your community. Remember to also sign up to play People's Postcode Lottery and give yourself a chance to win while you assist those in need.
Last updated: 05/03/2021
