Two months ago, Alfie was sleeping rough on the streets of Harrogate.
At just 20 years old, his life had spiralled out of control - redundancy, a broken relationship, health struggles and a few wrong turns left him with nothing.
No home. No bed. No warmth. No one.
Alfie said:
“I never thought I could end up homeless.
“But suddenly, I had nowhere to go. I was cold, hungry, and scared.”
Life on the streets is brutal. Drug dealers prey on vulnerability.
Foodbanks offer tins, but without a kitchen to cook in, they cannot be used. Drinking water comes from public toilets. Every day is a fight for survival.
After three and a half weeks, Alfie found Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP)—and everything changed.
A bed in their hostel was just the beginning. He was welcomed with kindness, hot meals, clean clothes, and a team of professionals who helped him start rebuilding his life.
Today, Alfie is thriving. He’s receiving daily support for his mental and physical health, battling addiction, and learning new skills.
He’s gained a hospitality qualification, volunteers at the day centre, and even cooks weekly dinners for other residents at the hostel. Soon, he’ll move into his own flat and live independently.
And that’s because someone cared.
Right now, there are 25 people like Alfie living in HHP’s hostel and flats. Providing accommodation, food, and dedicated support costs the charity £40 per person per day - that’s £1,000 every single day.
This Christmas, Harrogate Homeless Project needs your help.
Your gift could be the difference between someone sleeping rough or sleeping safe.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps someone take their first step off the streets and towards a brighter future.
To support people like Alfie and help prevent more people sleeping out in the cold this Christmas, consider making a donation and supporting their work by visiting their website here.
For more information about this story, email Nicola Ridgway - Fundraising and Marketing Manager - at nicola@hhphostel.org and listen to more from the charity below, starting with chief executive, Richard Cooper:
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