10 ways you can help people this World Homeless Day and beyond

Friday, 10 October 2025 is World Homeless Day. Here's how you can help people who are homeless this World Homeless Day and beyond.

1) Be Kind

Homelessness is an experience, not an identity. Each person you see sleeping rough has a story beyond their current situation. A smile, friendly greeting or simply acknowledging people’s presence helps to restore dignity and humanity for people experiencing homelessness. Don’t overlook the small gestures!

2) Streetlink

Streetlink is an online service where you can inform local outreach teams of somebody sleeping rough. By making an online report, people can be connected to local services quicker to get the support they need. Visit www.thestreetlink.org.uk to make a report

3) Item donations

Catching Lives relies on donations of food and essential items (toiletries, sleeping bags, etc.) to provide support to people who need our services. To find out what we are most in need of, contact fundraising@catchinglives.org for an up-to-date list, or to arrange a drop-off.

4) Donate to Catching Lives

As an independent charity, we rely on your donations to keep our services running 7 days a week. If you would like to support Catching Lives, you can donate via JustGiving.

5) Volunteer with us

We are always looking for people to join our team of dedicated volunteers who can help out in our kitchen, preparing breakfast and lunch for people at our centre. If you have a few hours spare and want to make a difference in your community, please email volunteer@catchinglives.org for more information.

6) Shop at our bookshop

The Catching Lives second-hand bookshop in the iconinc Crooked House has hundreds of amazing books for you to browse. You can also find notebooks, tote bags, and other Crooked House products available to buy. All profits go towards supporting Catching Lives.

7) Host a fundraiser

Why not set up your own fundraising challenge or event? Things like bake sales, sports matches, quiz nigths and raffles are an amazing way to raise money for Catching Lives and to support people who are homeless.

For support with fundraising events or to discuss ideas, email fundraising@catchinglives.org

8) Take on the Kent Charity Trek

Save the date! 16 May 2026 If you are up for a physical challenge, you could take on the Kent Charity Trek next year to raise vital funds for Catching Lives. There’s a 25km or a 50km option through the beautiful Kentish Countryside.

More details will be available early next year so watch this space...

9) Donate pre-loved books

If you are getting rid of books, please consider donating them to our second-hand bookshop on Palace Street. All books donated will be sold to raise funds for Catching Lives, to support people who are homeless 7 days a week. To get in touch about dropping off large amounts of books, please email bookshop@catchinglives.org

10) Leave a legacy

Leaving a gift in your Will is one of the most powerful and lasting ways you can support people who are homeless in years to come. If you are thinking about leaving a gift in your Will to Catching Lives, or would like to find out more, please email fundraising@catchinglives.org