Nottingham charity appeals for clothing as supplies run low

It’s that time of year again when we start to spring clean our homes to reduce our unwanted items. Independent homelessness charity Emmanuel House in Hockley has appealed for people to start ‘spring cleaning with meaning.’

The charity says it is running out of warm, dry clothing to give to people who are experiencing homelessness in Nottingham. Providing access to clean and dry clothing is just one of the ways the support centre on Goose Gate helps those in need.

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. Accessing clean or dry clothing through Emmanuel House is often the first step for people in accessing the help they need.

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 is also struggling with food donations amid the recent cold spell. They have seen many vulnerable people drop by to ask for warm clothing during rain and snow spells.

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.”

The charity 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, and socks. They also accept trainers (size 8-10 for men, size 5+ for women), t-shirts, waterproof jackets, women’s underwear (sizes 8-12/small-medium) and accessories such as belts, handbags, hats and scarves.

Donations can be dropped at Emmanuel House from 9 am to 5 pm and the charity asks that items are washed and dried ahead of this.

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.”