One Big Family – Helping the Homeless offers a range of practical support services for people experiencing homelessness or hardship in the Medway area.
Our Soup Kitchen provides hot, nutritious meals, drinks, clothing, toiletries, and bedding in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Anyone in need is welcome to join us for food and companionship.
We also deliver food parcels and essential supplies three times a week to people referred by agencies such as Social Services, accommodation providers, and the DWP. Donations of non-perishable food items are always needed and can be dropped off at Emmaus Church, Chatham (Meeting House Lane entrance) on Wednesdays and Fridays (11am–2pm) or Sundays (5pm–7pm).
- Tinned meat, vegetables, fruit
- Soup, beans
- Pasta, rice, cereal
- Long life milk
- Coffee, tea, sugar, juice
- Biscuits, crisps, snacks
- Kettle food (noodles, soups)
Our Homestarter Packs are provided to people newly accommodated, often in emergency situations, and referred by agencies such as housing or domestic abuse charities. Each pack includes bedding, towels, crockery, cutlery, kitchen utensils, kettle, toaster, microwave, and cleaning supplies. Each pack costs approximately £200, and donations are welcome.
We also offer Supported Accommodation and operate a Winter Refuge that opens on nights when the temperature is forecast to feel like zero degrees or below, providing emergency shelter during the coldest months.
Our team conducts regular outreach work across the Medway Towns, offering support, signposting to other organisations, and accompanying people to important appointments (e.g., housing, healthcare).
We work closely with other organisations and are part of the Supporting the Homeless in Medway Network.
All services are free of charge and open to anyone in need, subject to referral for some services.
Anyone living in Medway in vulnerable housing or sleeping rough, who is over 18