Most of us have experienced the emotional pull of seeing someone homeless on the street. Whether it’s during the morning commute or while out shopping, it’s natural to feel a desire to help – but many people are unsure where to start. Giving directly might seem like a quick solution, but sustainable, meaningful change often requires more than short-term support.
That’s where organisations like YMCA Robin Hood come in. With decades of experience supporting vulnerable people, we carefully ensure that your goodwill translates into real, lasting impact. From immediate response options to structured referral pathways, donation programmes and volunteering roles, there are several ways to make a positive difference – safely, compassionately, and effectively.
Immediate Response: What to Do When You Encounter Someone Homeless
If you see someone sleeping rough or in visible distress, the most important thing you can do is to approach the situation with respect, empathy, and safety in mind. It’s okay to start a polite conversation – ask if they’re okay or if they need anything. But it’s also important not to make assumptions or pressure them into discussing their situation.
When appropriate, you can:
- Refer them to YMCA Robin Hood’s Shakespeare Street location in Nottingham, which acts as a hub for housing and support services.
- Let them know that YMCA offers safe accommodation, key worker support, and pathways into employment and education.
- If the person appears to be in immediate danger, is under 18, or has serious health issues, call 999 or contact StreetLink, a national service that connects rough sleepers with local support agencies.
These first steps may seem small, but they’re often the beginning of someone’s journey back to stability.
The Referral and Application Process: Helping Someone Access YMCA Services
If a person is willing to accept help, the next step is guiding them toward formal support channels. YMCA Robin Hood offers supported accommodation and wraparound services designed for people experiencing homelessness, including young people, care leavers, and adults in need of transitional housing.
1. Self-Referral
Individuals can refer themselves by visiting the YMCA hub on Shakespeare Street or by calling the support line. A team member will conduct an initial conversation to understand their needs, eligibility, and current situation.
2. Agency Referral
Professionals such as social workers, GPs, or council officers can refer individuals directly. YMCA works in close partnership with Nottingham City Council and local agencies to assess suitability and ensure seamless transitions into accommodation.
3. Documentation Needed
To apply, individuals will usually need to provide:
- Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport, or national insurance number)
- Information about previous accommodation or homelessness status
- Any support or risk assessments (if available)
Don’t worry if they don’t have everything – YMCA staff are trained to support those who may lack formal documentation or find the process overwhelming.
4. Assessment
After referral, YMCA carries out a comprehensive assessment to determine the right service pathway. This includes exploring mental and physical health, substance use (if applicable), support needs, and long-term goals.
The aim is to place each person in the most suitable environment – whether that’s emergency accommodation, supported housing, or a more long-term option. Once accepted, residents receive personalised support plans to help them progress toward independence.
Supporting Financially: Become a RoomSponsor
Not everyone is in a position to directly engage with individuals or volunteer – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a tangible difference.
The RoomSponsor programme allows you to support YMCA’s housing and support services through monthly donations. Just £15 a month helps to:
- Fund a safe, clean bedroom for someone experiencing homelessness
- Provide a dedicated key worker who offers emotional support, mentoring, and crisis intervention
- Enable access to life skills training like cooking, budgeting, and job preparation
- RoomSponsors receive regular updates and stories from service users who’ve been helped thanks to their generosity. It’s a meaningful way to be part of someone’s journey from homelessness to independence, even if you never meet them.
To become a RoomSponsor, visit the YMCA website and choose a donation level that suits your budget.
Volunteering: Give Your Time to Change Lives
For those who want to give back in a hands-on way, we offer a range of volunteering opportunities that directly impact homeless residents. Whether you have professional skills, lived experience, or just a passion for helping others, your time can make a huge difference.
Current Volunteer Roles Include:
- Mentors: Offer one-on-one support, helping residents stay focused on their goals
- Workshop Facilitators: Run sessions on cooking, creative writing, CV building, or confidence boosting
- Social Activity Leads: Organise events like movie nights, art classes, or sports activities to combat isolation
- Practical Support Volunteers: Help with moving in/out, decorating rooms, or general upkeep
All volunteers receive training and are supported by the YMCA team to ensure their contributions are impactful, respectful, and trauma-informed.
Volunteering not only benefits residents – it also creates a more connected, compassionate community. You’ll gain insight, develop skills, and meet people from all walks of life united by a shared mission.
To find out more, visit the YMCA Nottingham website.
Lasting Change Starts With Coordinated Support
Homelessness is complex. It’s rarely the result of a single event – instead, it’s often the outcome of many overlapping issues such as family breakdown, poor mental health, addiction, or financial hardship. That’s why short-term solutions, while helpful, aren’t enough on their own.
We believe in long-term, person-centred support. Through structured housing, professional care, and community connection, we help people rebuild not just their routines, but their belief in a better future.
Whether you’re signposting someone to our Shakespeare Street hub, sponsoring a room, or volunteering your time, your actions can be the turning point in someone’s story.
Take Action Today
YMCA Robin Hood is ready to work alongside you to provide meaningful, compassionate and effective support.
Visit www.nottsymca.com to:
- Refer someone in need
- Learn more about the RoomSponsor programme
- Apply to volunteer
- Read real stories of transformation
Together, we can go beyond good intentions and deliver the life-changing support that vulnerable people truly deserve!