What we do
We are a local charity supporting local people.
We work with homeless people and those in crisis and need in our community, throughout Teignbridge and in the more rural areas.
People that have been helped include those who are homeless, victims of domestic violence, ex-service personnel, the elderly, families in poverty, disabled people, ex-offenders and many others.
We provide a number of different services to people in need. Our support is on a case-by-case basis. We collect food and other goods, and distribute them via referral agencies. We provide toiletry, food and household crisis packs, and can also provide baby packs and help for pets if needed.
Why our services are needed
It is reality that in 21st Century Britain, people are increasingly having to come to foodbanks in order to survive. HITS aims to help as many local people as we can, ensuring that we help to improve local needs and improve the communities around us.
The main issues are that working people face low wages, increasing living costs, zero-hour contracts and insecure work, and problems accessing welfare benefits. Even if some people have housing, they often cannot afford to pay the electricity and gas for simple heating, lighting and cooking. The most vulnerable, elderly and disabled also face significant problems in trying to cope with little or no money and support in everyday life. Our local GP surgeries, schools, Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureaux and NHS all come to us with clients and patients, who come from all walks of life.
And of course, it is equally very sad that, as a country, we waste millions of tonnes of food each year. We work very closely with local and major supermarket chains and businesses to reduce food waste and encourage others to think about others who need the help and support of HITS.
For local people, it’s about helping out other local people.
For businesses, it’s also about helping out the local community we serve, and giving back to local people as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. – Martin Luther King Jr.
About the charity
Homeless in Teignbridge Support is Registered Charity Number 1097540. It works only in the Teignbridge area.
The point of contact for matters pertaining to the charity need to be addressed to the trustees.
Owing to the nature of its work, HITS maintains a Safeguarding Policy and a Vulnerable Person Policy. All staff receive training.
The charity has won awards, and both it and its volunteers are highly regarded within the statutory and charity sectors for their dedication and professionalism.