Homeless Street Angels

Homeless Street Angels is a truly grassroots, people-powered charity that has grown from a simple act of compassion into a pivotal support system for vulnerable people in Leeds. Founded by twin sisters Becky and Shelley Joyce, the organization began with an almost accidental mission.

What started as a Friday night ritual of providing hot food to a few people on the streets quickly revealed a gaping hole in support services, particularly on Thursday nights. This initial discovery sparked a profound realization for the sisters: the problem of homelessness was not just about a lack of food or shelter, but also about a desperate need for a consistent, non-judgmental human connection.

The name, Homeless Street Angels, perfectly captures this dual purpose. They are a constant, visible presence on the streets, but their mission goes beyond mere provision of goods. They strive to be "angels"—messengers of hope and support. Their mission statement is a testament to this philosophy:

"to get the homeless off the street into a stable environment and way of life they are able to uphold, with continued ongoing support."

This is not a mission of temporary fixes, but of long-term transformation, empowering people to regain control of their lives.

The Heartbeat of the Charity: The Weekly Street Outreach

The most recognizable aspect of the charity's work is its weekly street outreach in the heart of Leeds city center. Every Thursday evening, rain or shine, a dedicated team of volunteers walks the streets, seeking out those in need. This is a crucial element of their model, as it is during these encounters that they build the relationships of trust that are essential for long-term success.

The volunteers provide much-needed provisions, including:

• Hot Meals and Drinks: A warm meal can be a lifeline and a powerful gesture of care.
• Essential Clothing: They distribute clean clothes, warm hoodies, joggers, and trainers, recognizing that a person's dignity and comfort are paramount.
• Toiletries and Hygiene Products: Simple items like soap, toothbrushes, and razors, which are often taken for granted, are vital for personal hygiene and self-esteem.

More than the items themselves, it's the consistent presence that makes the biggest impact. The fact that the Angels are there every week builds a sense of reliability and trust. For many of the people they serve, these conversations with volunteers might be the only positive human interaction they have all week.

A Lifestyle Choice

This simple, consistent act of showing up is the foundation upon which all of the charity's other services are built.

Abi House: A Centre for Growth and Dignity

After years of relentless fundraising and a fierce commitment to their goal, the founders secured a physical support center, which they named Abi House in memory of their late sister. Abi House is not just a place for handouts; it is a hub for growth, empowerment, and community. The center serves as a vital touchpoint for both the community and the charity's clients.

At Abi House, the charity provides a range of services designed to move people from a state of dependency to one of self-sufficiency. These include:

• Life Skills Classes: Understanding that a lack of basic skills is a major barrier to independence, Homeless Street Angels offers classes in literacy, IT, and financial management. By teaching these fundamental skills, they equip people with the tools to navigate the modern world, apply for jobs, manage a budget, and maintain a stable home once they are rehoused.
• Donation and Food Parcel Services: Abi House serves as a central point for the community to drop off donations of clothing and food. It also operates a food bank, where people can collect pre-booked food parcels, ensuring they have access to nourishment in a respectful and dignified manner.
• Ongoing Support and Aftercare: The charity's work doesn't end when a person finds a home. They provide crucial support during the transition, often helping with furniture and household items. This long-term engagement is a hallmark of their mission, recognizing that many individuals who have experienced homelessness lack the support network needed to stay in their new homes.

Community and Recognition

Homeless Street Angels has gained significant recognition for its tireless work, winning multiple awards and garnering attention from local and national media. The charity is not government-funded and relies entirely on public donations and the generosity of local businesses and volunteers. The community's response has been overwhelming, with many businesses contributing to the renovation of Abi House, and schools, churches, and other organizations running collection drives to support their efforts. This groundswell of support demonstrates the powerful ripple effect of the charity's mission.

By changing the narrative around homelessness and focusing on the humanity of each individual, Homeless Street Angels has inspired a new level of compassion and engagement within the Leeds community. The charity's story is a powerful reminder that change often begins with a single act of kindness and that a well-defined mission, combined with community support, can transform lives and build a more compassionate society.

This video from the Yorkshire Post provides an inside look at the sanctuary for people who are experiencing homelessness at Abi House in Leeds. Inside the sanctuary for homeless people: Abi House Hospice In Leeds by Homeless Street Angels