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.
Teenager's cancer awareness film nominated for major award
100-year-old Harrogate resident shares secret to long life
Winners revealed for Harrogate Mumbler Awards 2025
Meet the Ripon teen living his football dream
Harrogate runner crowned winner of gruelling 100-mile race
Frazer Theatre to hold second exclusive screening of Tinsel Town
Harrogate schools to sing 'Sleeps to Santa' Christmas countdown
Yorkshire Water says end of hosepipe ban is near as rainfall continues
Harrogate Town launches half season tickets
Artisan market at Fountains Abbey cancelled due to bad weather
Yorkshire Air Ambulance raises £52,000 at first ever fundraising ball
Harrogate school marks first anniversary of 'bike bus' initiative
Minskip to stage Christmas fayre and concert
Annual Christmas concert returns to Harrogate
New Harrogate fish restaurant to open next week
Free pet check-up on offer at Knaresborough vets
Harrogate bus firm reveals Christmas schedule
Tinsel Town director praises Knaresborough as new film showcases the north
Station Gateway poses risk to livelihoods and lives, say traders
Harrogate teacher and actress releases debut novel
