Independent homelessness charity Emmanuel House in Hockley is running out of warm, dry clothes to give to people who are homeless in Nottingham.
Access to clean and dry clothing is one of the many solutions it offers from its support centre on Goose Gate.
The most-requested items are currently men’s jogging bottoms, men’s boxer shorts, gloves, t-shirts, trousers with 30–32-inch waists and shoes.
Rosie Needham-Smith, Marketing and Fundraising Officer at Emmanuel House, said: “Most of our clothes are donated by supporters, however after a flurry of food and clothes that came in over Christmas, donations are down.
“There is currently a higher need for more men’s boxer shorts and jogging bottoms, which means we’re not able to supply everyone in need. If we don’t receive more clothing donations, we will have to buy additional items to give out, meaning an increase in costs for the charity.
“Our clothes store room and food shelves are starting to look comparatively bare. And the recent cold spell has meant more people have been visiting Emmanuel House. Many more people who are rough sleeping have come to the door asking for warm clothes to help protect them from the rain and snow.”
Coming to Emmanuel House for a new set of clean, dry clothes is often the first step for someone getting the support they need. The team recently spoke to one of their beneficiaries about the support they’ve been receiving over the past year.
An Emmanuel House beneficiary said: “I had recently moved into supported accommodation after sleeping rough in Nottingham. I was really low, drinking heavily and had no idea what to do.
“While I was sleeping on the streets, Emmanuel House was literally a lifesaver.
“It was somewhere I could go for a hot meal, a shower, warm clothes and even a sleeping bag. After I moved into supported accommodation, I met my support worker.
“In the 12 months I’d been seeing them, my mental health and attitude towards life had improved beyond belief.”
Emmanuel House also sells good quality fashionable items of clothing and accessories in its on-site charity shop and on eBay to raise vital funds for the charity.
Emmanuel House accepts the following items:
- Jeans (men’s sizes 30-34)
- Joggers (small and medium)
- Boxer shorts (new only, medium and large)
- Fashionable clothing
- Hoodies
- Shoes and boots
- Sleeping bags
- Socks
- Trainers (size 8-10 for men, size 5+ for women)
- T-shirts
- Waterproof jackets
- Women’s underwear (sizes 8-12/small-medium)
- Accessories – non-pierced jewellery, belts, handbags, hats & scarves
Rosie added: “Clearing out your wardrobe and cupboards of clothes you no longer wear is a free and simple way of helping to support people who are homeless in your community. This is the perfect time of year to do a bit of spring cleaning.”
Emmanuel House is open for donations every weekday 9 am-5 pm. Please wash and dry your donations before donating them as we don’t have washing facilities for donations.
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