How to Help Someone Facing Homelessness

Homelessness is tough — and facing it alone can be overwhelming. But there are ways you can make a real difference in someone’s life, starting today.

  • A cartoon illustration of a man offering a steaming cup of coffee or tea to a woman, both smiling. The background features a purple circle.

    Be kind. Be human.

    A warm conversation or even just a smile can go a long way. Ask how they’re doing. Listen. A moment of respect and empathy can remind someone they still matter.

  • Illustration of a person talking on a phone and pointing at a map pin with a house icon, indicating they are looking for a home or directions.

    Let Outreach Teams Know

    You can use StreetLink (online or via their app) to let local outreach teams know where you’ve seen someone rough sleeping. They’ll visit and offer support, usually within 24 hours.

    Contact Street Link
  • A person with short dark hair, sitting at a desk, talking on the phone, and using a laptop, with a purple circular background.

    Contact Plymouth Council

    Councils have teams who help people in housing crisis. If you can, pass on what you’ve seen so they can follow up.

    01752 668000 (Contact Centre)
    communityconnections@plymouth.gov.uk

  • Illustration of a man and woman smiling and looking at a smartphone together, with the woman pointing at the phone.

    Help someone find support

    Let them know about local services that offer housing help, benefits advice, food, or healthcare. If they don’t know where to go, offer to help them look.

    Find Help
  • Cartoon illustration of a smiling woman with glasses holding a paper coffee cup in one hand and a jacket in the other, with a purple circle background.

    Offer essentials

    A warm coat, a hot drink, or a kind word can go further than you think. You can also donate useful items to local shelters — or to Path directly.

    Donate and Shop
  • A woman with dark hair holding a megaphone and speaking.

    Speak up

    Homelessness affects us all. Join campaigns that push for change, write to your MP, or talk about the issue in your community. When we speak together, we’re louder.

    World Homeless Day
  • An animated person wearing a pink shirt holding a cardboard box with shipping labels and an upward arrow on the side, standing against a purple circular background.

    Volunteer with us

    Want to do more? Join our team as a volunteer. Whether it’s helping in the office, supporting someone to move into their new home, or getting stuck into local projects — you can be part of real, lasting change. Visit our Volunteer page to find out how to get involved.

    Volunteer
  • Illustration of a worried man talking on a phone with an emergency siren light flashing in the background.

    If It’s an Emergency, Call 999

    If someone looks unwell, injured, or in danger, don’t wait—call 999. For less urgent health concerns, you can call NHS 111.

Volunteer with us

Want to do more? Join our team as a volunteer. Whether it’s helping in the office, supporting someone to move into their new home, or getting stuck into local projects — you can be part of real, lasting change.