From homelessness to feeling human again: how hygiene donations help residents at Bognor Housing Trust get back on their feet
“Bognor Housing Trust provides temporary, supported accommodation to single homeless people in the area. We support up to 25 people at any one time, and welcome back former clients when they need a cup of tea and some support”, explains manager Laura.
The team works with residents on a whole range of issues that they may be facing, such as their finances, health concerns, life skills, moving to more permanent housing or accessing employment. The cost-of-living crisis has led to a much higher demand on our services, especially from those who are working and struggling to afford soaring rental costs and utility bills.
“Very grateful and surprised”
Laura is full of praise for The Hygiene Bank Chichester and Arun and tells us “new residents are welcomed with a ‘moving-in’ pack and hygiene product donations form the backbone of these packs. Clients often have very low incomes and being able to keep themselves clean help to improve self-esteem, confidence and happiness.
Residents are often very grateful and surprised when they receive such good quality products, and these help them on the road to feeling human again”.
“The transformation is phenomenal”
With support from The Hygiene Bank Chichester and Arun, one resident at Bognor Housing Trust has gone from being “broken, confused and unable to navigate the system. He is now leaving us to move into his own flat a confident, happy man who is able to ask for help when he needs it but is much more self-reliant and is in employment.”
“Donations from the Hygiene Bank really help us to do this work!”
Last updated on March 11th, 2025 at 02:15 pm
