Your kindness could provide a pair of cosy slippers, a kettle to make a cuppa or bedsheets to give someone like Evert a warm and cosy place to sleep.

When people who have been homeless finally get off the streets, they often find themselves in bare accommodation with no furniture apart from a bed. Simple, everyday items that we all need, such as bedding or a kettle can make a huge difference when someone is rebuilding their life.

After injuring his shoulder, Evert was unable to work at his job as a bus driver. Life at home became difficult, his marriage broke down and this had a knock-on effect on the mental health of his daughters which meant he had to leave. At first, Evert sofa-surfed at friends’ houses, but soon found himself sleeping rough on the streets, often in harsh weather conditions. His health deteriorated, he became anaemic, depressed and demoralised.

He met Jenny, a Thames Reach support worker, at the local foodbank. Jenny helped Evert to get a flat, and most importantly turn that flat into a home with home comforts such as bedsheets.

“Before I met Jenny, I was really bad. I wasn’t well physically and mentally. I was totally demoralised. When I met Jenny, she gave me hope to continue.

When I got to the flat, there was only a bed. I didn’t have anything else – sheets or anything for the bed. Jenny helped me have all those things. She gave me some vouchers so I could go to the store and get everything I needed.”

Evert is looking forward to returning to work at the end of the year, and is filled with hope for the future.

“With my new bedsheets, I felt some tranquillity. I felt that I was now connected. I can see the light out of the tunnel now.”

Your donation can provide simple home comforts that will give someone hope. Thank you for your kindness that will turn an empty flat into a home, and support someone like Evert in urgent need this winter.

By donating to provide a home comfort, you are helping support people who are recovering from homelessness. All of the examples here are real items that are provided to people we support, but everyone’s needs are different and we will use your donation where it is needed the most.