The 10th of October marks World Homeless Day, and it has never been more important to help support those who are without a permanent place to live; especially as the UK is declared as being in a cost-of-living crisis. Between January and March 2024, 38,440 households were assessed as being threatened with homelessness, with households including children up by 14.7% to 74,530, and single households by 8.5% to 42,920. Compared to the previous quarter, the number of households in temporary accommodation had increased by 4.3%.
One of our Dr. Bronner’s UK All-One partners is Emmaus Brighton & Hove, who have been supporting people experiencing homelessness in the Brighton and Hove area for 25 years, providing accommodation, training and support. It offers up to 57 people who have experienced homelessness a place to call home for as long as they need it and provides meaningful work in its social enterprises. The charity is based out of its historic site in Portslade and welcomes visitors to its charity superstore on site Tuesday – Saturday.
Mike Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner’s says “Under our All-One International Initiative, its Dr. Bronner’s mission to partner with organisations making real change around the world. We’re proud to support the work of Emmaus Brighton and Hove, who make a huge difference toward ending homelessness, not just on World Homeless Day, but all year round. We admire how Emmaus serves everyone that walks through their doors, and is dedicated to providing a comfortable refuge while giving their companions the tools they need to build themselves back up.”
There are many reasons that someone might find themselves homeless, and although it is increasingly common, there is still a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding it. Seamus, the Deputy Retail Manager at Emmaus Brighton and Hove said: “I was “working homeless”, so although I had a job, I was homeless. This is happening more and more to people, and it never used to happen, where people who have jobs become homeless because the amount of money they were receiving from wages is not covering the rent. There are lots of misconceptions around homelessness. People can get into financial difficulty, they can get ill, they can lose their jobs – there are many reasons.”
Here are 3 ways you can help Emmaus Brighton or any other homeless organisations near you
Fundraise
There are many ways you can fundraise for a homeless shelter. If you would like to run a marathon, jump out of a plane or do something else fun to help raise funds this is a great way to do so. Alternatively, you can leave a gift in your will, make regular donations or sign up to Amazon Smile as this scheme provides an easy way to support Emmaus financially, without it costing you a penny.
Volunteer
Emmaus Brighton is always looking for people who are keen to get involved. Their volunteers work alongside Companions and staff in the everyday tasks and activities associated with our Community, our thriving social enterprises and the beautiful grounds that we live in. If there is a local place that you can volunteer at, do enquire as we’re sure they’d be pleased to have your help!
Donate
If you’re having a clear out and there is some stuff that could be enjoyed by others, then do think about donating them to a homeless shelter or shop that raises money for an organisation helping the homeless. Emmaus takes all matter of things, from Furniture, Kitchenware, Gardening items and Clothing.
Every year on World Homeless Day, Dr Bronner’s additionally gifts Emmaus’s current companions with its hygiene products as part of its Sanitise campaign. In 2024, each were sent a Hand Hygiene Spray to help protect them as we move into the colder winter seasons, when germs and illness is more prevalent.
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Hygiene Spray kills germs with a simple formula: organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic lavender oil, and organic glycerin. The Organic Hand Hygiene Spray is perfect for using on the go and is gentle enough to be used on little ones’ sticky hands and faces, even as an air freshener or deodorant. The all-natural formula is effective against germs and is a fantastic option for cleanliness on the go, when clean, running water isn’t readily available – a privilege not everyone, including the homeless have.
Dr. Bronner’s is a family business committed to honouring the vision of our founder Dr. E.H. Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating our profits to helping make a better world. “All-One!”