Volunteers from Leeds charities and mosque show 'spirit of service' with New Year outreach for the homeless
Charities in Leeds came together after Christmas to offer essential support to the homeless at what is one of the most difficult times of the year.
Local charity Hand on Heart Charitable Trust partnered with Hidden Homeless Leeds and members of the Baab-ul-Ilm mosque to deliver the community-led winter outreach initiative supporting vulnerable individuals.
Volunteers from the organisations came together on Saturday (December 27) to distribute essentials such as winter clothing items and practical supplies like shampoo and lip balm. Hot food prepared by members of the Baab-ul-Ilm mosque was also handed out.
A Hand on Heart spokesperson said: “From hot meals to winter essentials, our volunteers came together to offer warmth, dignity and human connection, reminding us that homelessness doesn’t pause for the festive season.
“Together with our partners we stand for kindness, solidarity and community care.”
A Baab-ul-Ilm spokesperson said: “It was an honour to stand alongside Hand On Heart for this meaningful outreach. We’re incredibly proud of our Baab-ul-Ilm volunteers, especially the youth whose humility, compassion, and sincerity shone through in every interaction. May this spirit of service and partnership continue.”
While many families gather at this time of year to share meals, warmth and time together, the winter period can be one of heightened hardship and isolation for others.
For individuals experiencing homelessness or hidden homelessness, the festive season can intensify feelings of vulnerability, loneliness, and exclusion. This joint initiative has been created to respond directly to those challenges.
Hidden homelessness is described a form of homelessness that is often unseen, such as sofa-surfing and insecure housing.