Bradford's Orchard Day Shelter in appeal for warm clothing

A Salvation Army service that supports people forced to sleep on the streets this winter has issued an urgent call for warm clothing donations. 

As the temperatures drop, Bradford’s Orchard Day Shelter, which provides a drop-in for people experiencing homelessness, has asked people to donate generously so they can distribute items to those who are rough sleeping. 

They are in need of scarves, hats, socks, underwear, t-shirts, warm jumpers, joggers, coats and sleeping bags. 

Day shelter Programme Manager Andrea Jackson said: “We want to try and protect lives as the temperatures have started to drop. People sleeping on the streets at this time of year are at real risk of developing hypothermia and the stark reality is their lives are at risk. They are also more likely to develop physical health problems which are exacerbated by sleeping on cold floors. 

“What we’re asking from members of the public is to give generously so we can provide the basics to help keep people warm. We’d ask that you put yourself in the shoes of people experiencing homelessness, not only at night time but in those long stretches of the day when it’s chucking it down, you’ve nowhere to go and you’re soaked through. You’d just want to be somewhere warm in dry clothes. 

“We’re asking for practical clothing like jogging bottoms, jumpers, t-shirts, socks, underwear, gloves, scarves, hats, shoes, coats and sleeping bags. This is so we can distribute them to people who are our visiting our day shelter and also have a stock of clean clothes so that if they come into us soaking wet we can offer them something warm and dry to change into. 

“We’d ask that any donations are washed beforehand and that underwear donated is new. If you’re doing your shopping and can afford to add a pack of underwear to it that would be massive help.

“We’re really grateful for your support. We’ve already had a great response with Immanuel College in Bradford organising a sock rally. It’s things like that that make a real difference.” 

The Day Shelter will also be accepting donations of pocket torches, baby wipes, hand warmers, and energy bars and chocolate which can help if someone is showing signs of hypothermia. They ask that you do not donate blankets, pillows or duvets. 
 

The Salvation Army Day Shelter is a walk-in service open between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday. They also offer a night shelter when the temperatures drop below zero as part of Bradford Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). 

Bradford Orchard Service Manager Sarah Pirie added: “This is all a part of protecting people as the temperatures drop this winter. 

“Everyone who needs cold weather provision in Bradford comes through the doors of the Day Shelter so we can see up to 100 people a day who are homeless, vulnerably housed or at risk of homelessness. At the recent street count there were around 40 rough sleepers, so the need is very high at the moment and we want to do what we can to help. 

“Our Day Shelter not only provides a warm space during the day, but hot food and drinks, wash facilities, clothing, signposting to services, support with housing, welfare payments and medical needs.

“We will also be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day serving hot meals for people sleeping on the streets.” 

You can donate items at The Orchard in Leeds Road during office hours Monday to Friday or contact them directly to arrange drop-offs. Please do not take items to any other local Salvation Army without checking with them first. 

The Salvation Army also runs a Lifehouse, offering supported accommodation for up to 45 single men.