Donations to Framework come in many forms, and we are grateful for each and every one. Last week, we received care packages from Nottingham Labour Students at the University of Nottingham. The students visited Framework’s Street Outreach Temporary Accommodation in Sneinton yesterday to deliver donations for the city’s rough sleepers.
Aimee, co-Chair of Nottingham Labour Students, shared their motivations:
“Every time we’re out in the city at night, we see people sleeping rough, and we wanted to do something to help. While we enjoy our social events, we also wanted them to have a meaningful impact. We raised funds through a GoFundMe campaign and then hosted a Bingo event, where entry required bringing essential supplies such as gloves, shampoo, and non-perishable food. A group of us then put together twenty individual Care Packages to ensure easy distribution to individuals sleeping rough.”
Sinead Walsh, Team Leader for Framework’s Street Outreach Temporary Accommodation, expressed appreciation for the students’ efforts, saying,
“We’re incredibly grateful to the students for all the time and energy they’ve put into fundraising for rough sleepers. Any donations are always appreciated, especially during these tough times. Rough sleepers rely heavily on donations like this, as they often provide their only access to essentials.”
She continued, “No one ever chooses to sleep rough, but sometimes life throws unexpected challenges, and people end up in that situation. It can be really tough, and for some, it can have lasting effects, making it harder to find stable housing. At Framework, we’re committed to supporting them and helping them get back into the community.”
Gifts in Kind like this one help bolster our services hugely, and there is a wide variety of items that can help improve the lives of our service users. We welcome fundraised gifts with open arms, but Framework currently also runs two schemes that encourage the donation of used items: Furnishing Futures, and our Digital Inclusion project.
Furnishing Futures
Furnishing Futures is our partnership project that helps businesses donate unneeded household items to Framework so that we can help transform spaces into fully furnished new homes for those experiencing homelessness.
Whether you have end-of-line, ex-display or returned household or office furniture, we can take it off your hands and give it a second life.
Unneeded white goods, mattresses, tables, chairs, or even kitchen utensils can help create a home for someone who needs it. Why throw these things away when you can help build a better future?
And it’s not just our service users who will benefit from this recycling. If your business donates items to Framework, in return, you will get a tailored impact report, detailing the number of people your donation has supported and the number of items that you have saved from going to landfill. It is a free, easy and meaningful way to reach your ESG goals, and feel good whilst doing so!
Some organisations might have a steady stream of unwanted stock that they choose to donate on a regular basis, depending on their business type, but we also welcome one off donations.
If you’re not sure about what items are eligible, check out our handbook here: Furnishing Futures information pack.
Digital Inclusion
Alongside housing, a service we are proud to offer is the provision of IT equipment and skills. So much time is now spent online, meaning that without vital skills, building a life after homelessness can be a real challenge.
Our digital inclusion project helps to bridge this digital divide, repurposing unneeded phones, computers and other electrical items to help homeless and vulnerable people to access online services. Funded by The Access Foundation and Charity Bank, the project helps to significantly improve the quality of life of its participants, who have often experienced complex histories of homelessness, mental health challenges and trauma.
Barry Scott, Head of Telephony at our partner Domestic & General, said:
“we were blown away by the positive impact of donating our old mobile devices and routers. Good for the environment and helping people in need. It’s a no brainer.”
Not only can supplying IT equipment help people connect with friends and family, pay bills, organise vital appointments or access support, it can also assist with building a positive future through learning new skills and improving employment prospects. All of this helps to give people a sense of community, purpose and confidence to live a full and independent life.
Working together
Framework’s aim is to end homelessness and alleviate poverty and disadvantage wherever it occurs. Last year, we supported more than 21,000 people to live independently and have a better future. All of the generous donations from our supporters and partners, just like the one received from University of Nottingham students, are vital to this success.
If you’d like donate a gift in kind, whether through furnishing futures, digital inclusion, or any other means, please get in touch with us via email at fundraising@frameworkha.org.