Spring 2026 Newsletter Harrogate Homeless Project
Spring 2026 Newsletter Harrogate Homeless Project
Building Stability, Restoring Hope – Together
Thanks to your generosity last year, we were able to refurbish all of our hostel rooms for the first time in over a decade. These rooms have supported hundreds of people over the years, and the wear and tear reflected their heavy use. Thanks to your support, they are now safe, comfortable, dignified spaces once again — places where people can begin to rebuild their lives. Read more about our new Bedroom Sponsorship Initiative later in this newsletter to see how your continued support will help us keep our accommodation to the standard our clients deserve.
We were also truly overwhelmed by the incredible generosity shown through our Christmas Appeal. Your support has enabled us to begin the year with confidence, knowing we can continue providing the essential help that people facing homelessness in our community so greatly deserve.
As we look forward, we are now embarking on the next phase of our mission: creating long‑term, sustainable change in the lives of the people we support. To do this, we are significantly expanding the on‑site support we provide in five critical areas:
- Mental and physical health
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Financial management
- Education, training and work readiness
- Relationship and family support
These are the foundations a person needs not just to survive homelessness, but to move beyond it — to build independence, security, and a future they can truly look forward to.
This month marks an important milestone. We have welcomed a mental health counsellor to our day centre for six hours a week, thanks to a new partnership with North Yorkshire Council. While this may seem like a small step, it is a vital one. Crisis reports that over 80% of people experiencing homelessness struggle with poor mental health, and having support available where our clients already feel safe and known can be life‑changing. As funding allows, we plan to expand this provision further.
Without skills and support in these areas, and after years living on the streets or in shared accommodation, it is difficult for someone to turn their lives around and hold down long-term independent accommodation. Even though we work closely with partners like the NHS and the council, providing these services at our day centre and our hostel where our clients are is expensive. Your continued support makes these vital long-term sustainable changes possible.
Thank You
Richard Cooper, Chief Executive
Jamie’s Story
Jamie’s story is a powerful example of the long‑term impact Harrogate Homeless Project can have on someone’s life. Jamie first came to HHP at 19 after a family breakdown left him with nowhere to go. Over the next decade, he faced repeated periods of homelessness, unstable work and major personal challenges. Each time, HHP was there to offer safe accommodation, guidance and encouragement to help him rebuild.
With determination — and the right support at the right moments — Jamie found stability, became a father, secured housing and recently reached a huge milestone: gaining permanent employment at Tesco after a year out of work. He is now thriving, saving for a larger home and looking forward to having his children stay overnight.
Jamie says, “The staff always listened and understood. Springboard was the one place I could feel safe and supported when I needed it most.”
Jamie’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it is a powerful reminder of what perseverance, kindness, and the right support can achieve.
To read more about client stories click here
Sponsor A Room – Change A Life!
We are excited to launch our new Bedroom Sponsorship Initiative — a powerful way for local businesses to make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
Our hostel’s 16 bedrooms provide safety, dignity and stability every single night, but keeping them warm, clean and welcoming requires constant care. By sponsoring a room for £1,000 a year, businesses help fund essential maintenance, refurbishment, furnishings, deep cleaning and on‑site support. With occupancy consistently above 90%, this initiative ensures that every person arriving at our door has a calm, private space to begin rebuilding their life.
As one client shared, “Having a clean, private room gave me the stability I needed to focus on getting help. It gave me hope.”
This programme allows supporters to play a tangible role in that transformation — right here in Harrogate.
Moda Group has become the first business to sign up as a Room Sponsor — a partnership that feels especially meaningful following their significant involvement in the hostel’s refurbishment last summer.
For further information visit us here and complete an expression of interest form, or contact nicola@hhphostel.org for an informal chat.
Volunteer With Us and Help Make a Real Difference
At Harrogate Homeless Project, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their time, skills, and kindness help create a warm, welcoming environment for the people who rely on us every day. As demand for our services grows, we’re looking for new volunteers to join our team and make a meaningful impact right here in our community.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
🍽️ Kitchen Volunteers
Help prepare and serve meals at our day centre, creating a friendly space where clients can enjoy a warm meal and good conversation. No professional experience needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help.
🔧 Handy Person Support
If you’re practical and enjoy fixing things, we’d love your help with small repairs, basic maintenance and keeping our hostel spaces in good condition. Your skills make our accommodation safer and more welcoming.
☕ Teatime Reception Volunteers (Hostel)
Offer a warm smile and a friendly presence at the hostel during teatime hours, 5-7pm week days. This role helps create a calm, reassuring atmosphere and provides clients with support at one of the busiest parts of the day.
Every hour you give helps someone take a step toward stability, confidence and independence. If you’d like to join our volunteer community, we’d love to hear from you!
To find out more get in touch here – volunteer@hhphostel.org / 01423 566900
Exciting Fundraising Events Coming Up!
We’re thrilled to share a few key dates for your diary as we look ahead to another fantastic year of community fundraising in support of Harrogate Homeless Project.
Save the Date – The Big Sleepout Returns!
Our third Big Sleepout will take place on Thursday 1st October, once again in partnership with Saint Michael’s Hospice, Harrogate Rugby Club and Harrogate Spring Water. This much‑loved event promises another memorable night of community spirit, awareness‑raising and vital fundraising for two hugely deserving local causes. We’d love you to join us as together we make a big impact by giving up our beds for one night.
For further information or to express your interest, get in touch with Nicola today at nicola@hhphostel.org
So Bar’s – Eat out to Help Out
So Bar has launched an ‘Eat out to Help Out’ scheme at its venues in Harrogate and Knaresborough, to help support the work of Harrogate Homeless Project. This initiative will run on the last Thursday of every month, the next one taking place on Thursday 26th March.
As part of the scheme, So Bar has created a set two-course menu priced at £19.95. For every meal sold from this menu, £5 will be donated directly to Harrogate Homeless Project.
Please do come along and support if you can!
Rudy’s Fundraising Evening – Saturday 11th April
We’re thrilled to be partnering with Harrogate’s newest pizza hotspot, Rudy’s Pizza, for their very first charity fundraising night — and you’re invited!
Join us on Saturday 10th April at Rudy’s Harrogate for an evening of delicious, authentic pizza, great company, and community spirit. Even better, 100% of all food and drink proceeds from the night will be donated directly to Harrogate Homeless Project.
To find out more or to book your table, please contact:
📧 Kasim Hamid – Kasim@rudyspizza.co.uk
🏃 Take On a Challenge in 2026
If you’re looking to get active this year, don’t miss our wide range of runs and challenge events, offering discounted entry fees on some local events!
Considering Leeds Running Festival at Roundhay Park Run in April? Look no further! Click here to get £15 off your registration fee.
Or take a look at the other destination events on our website. Whether its running, open water swimming, Tough Mudder or some family fun at Inflatable Leeds – sign up for a different challenge this year and raise funds in our name!
Contact marian@hhphostel.org for further information – we would love to support you and showcase your achievement!
“Thank you for being there when I had nowhere else to turn. Your support has helped me rebuild my life step by step.” (Ex-Client at HHP)
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