Volunteering For Homeless Charities In Sunderland

The Office for National Statistics previously reported a 13% increase in the number of rough sleepers in the North East. With around 2,500 homeless people across the region and approximately 100 of these in Sunderland, almost one in 3,000 people who lived in the town were classed as homeless.

If you don't agree with anyone having to face the prospect of a night without a roof over their head, or can't imagine not having a stable home to call your own, volunteering with one of the homeless charities Sunderland offers could be the perfect thing to do.

As well as giving you an incredible feeling of accomplishment, volunteering for one or more of the Sunderland charities which operate in this field could allow you to make a genuine difference to the lives of many different people. You may even find yourself picking up some new skills and making some great new friends along the way.

HOMELESS CHARITIES IN SUNDERLAND THAT NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Crisis

Founded in 1967, Crisis is one of the UK's leading homeless charities. As well as providing services that tackle all aspects of helping people to climb away from homelessness for good, the charity also carries out important research and campaigning, which influences its plan to end homelessness once and for all.

There's a Skylight centre in nearby Newcastle, giving you the chance to volunteer with Crisis and help with everything from housing support to information about tenancy rights and mediation services between tenants and landlords.

Sunderland Foodbank

If you want to support a food bank through your volunteering, Sunderland has one that works in conjunction with the Trussell Trust. This charity supports a network of more than 1,200 food bank centres, providing a real lifeline to people who are struggling to feed themselves and their family.

Sunderland Foodbank is based on Coronation Street in the town centre. As well as meeting clients and handing out food parcels at one of the locations, you could also help the charity by volunteering in the warehouse, coordinating vouchers or looking after its website.

Humankind

With its head office in Newton Aycliffe less than 25 miles from Sunderland, Humankind used to be known as Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities until 2018. Established in 1984, the charity now employs more than 1,000 staff, as well as relying on volunteers to help more than 20,000 people every year.

Offering a range of services such as training and education courses, health and wellbeing advice, criminal justice support and offender rehabilitation, Humankind offers housing-related support to help people stave off the threat of homelessness. You could help out with office and admin work in Newton Aycliffe or by joining in with fundraising efforts. You may also find yourself volunteering with Humankind at its support centre on Mary Street in Sunderland town centre.

Centrepoint

As the UK's leading youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint opened its first shelter back in 1969. It now helps some 15,000 homeless young people every year, providing more than 1,100 bed spaces and support through things like counselling, education and teaching life skills.

Every day, Centrepoint supports 200 young people in Sunderland, aiming to set them up for a more positive future and move as far away as possible from a life of homelessness. There's many ways to get involved with Centrepoint, including by sponsoring a room or by completing a fundraising challenge. You could also show your support for this wonderful charity by joining its annual Sleep Out event.

HELPING DESERVING CAUSES

If you'd like to know more about getting involved in volunteering in your community, take a look at our Local Causes page and find opportunities near you.