What began in 2018 as the Rucksacks4Homeless initiative through Sowerby Bridge Rotary Club by former president Hazel Brindle, has since grown into NEST – Helping the Homeless, a Calderdale charity supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
NEST’s mission is simple but vital: to provide practical support to people in Calderdale who are experiencing, or have previously experienced, homelessness or crisis. Their original rucksacks project remains at the heart of this work, supplying rough sleepers with essential items to help them stay safe through the night. Each rucksack contains a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, bivvy bag, warm clothing, toiletries and a flask, small items that make a life‑saving difference.
Since becoming a registered charity and officially launching in June 2025, NEST has been determined to expand its reach. The team asked themselves a powerful question: “How can we help people start again?”
The rucksacks are often the first step out of homelessness, but rebuilding a life takes time, support and dignity. When someone finally receives the keys to a property after a period without a home, the experience can feel overwhelming. That’s where NEST’s Home Starter Packs come in.
Working closely with local organisations including P3, Calderdale Council, Horton Housing and Focus4Hope, NEST provides individuals with the basics they need to turn an empty property into a liveable space, from kitchen appliances to crockery, towels and bedding. These items are often the difference between simply having a roof over your head and truly having a home.
Introducing the Community Curtains Project
One piece of feedback kept coming up again and again: “Could curtains be included in the packs?”
Curtains are something many of us take for granted, yet for someone starting again, they offer far more than decoration. They provide warmth, reduced heating costs, privacy, security and a sense of comfort, all essential when trying to rebuild stability.
But curtains are expensive, and with NEST relying solely on grant funding and donations, supplying them to those in need isn’t possible without community support.
That’s why NEST is launching its brand new Community Curtains project, a volunteer‑powered initiative bringing people together across Calderdale to sew curtains for individuals moving into empty homes.
NEST already has sewing machines, materials and a venue ready to go (details coming soon). What they need now is volunteers, people with sewing skills, crafting experience, or simply the willingness to learn and get stuck in.
To date, NEST has supported around 250 families. That’s over 1,000 curtains needed already, with many more to come.
Jo Core, NEST CEO, said:
“We’re really thrilled to be launching the Community Curtains Project. When someone moves into an empty property after homelessness, the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Curtains might seem simple, but they help people feel safe, settled and seen.
We want to bring people together to help others. If you’re a keen crafter or seamstress, we’d love for you to get on board. Even if you haven’t got the skills yet but you’re willing to learn, please get in touch.
We’ve been so lucky to receive equipment and materials already; now we just need a community of volunteers to help get the project off the ground. Not only will this help turn empty houses into homes, but we’re also inviting the people we support to join in too. It’s a chance to learn a new skill, build friendships and feel part of something hopeful.”
How you can help
- Join the Community Curtains volunteer team
- Donate fabric, thread or sewing equipment
- Spread the word to local crafting groups, sewing circles and community hubs
If you’d like to get involved, NEST would love to hear from you.
Email: info@nesthelpingthehomeless.co.uk
Telephone: 07342 543492
Your time, skills and kindness could help transform an empty space into a warm, welcoming home for someone starting again.
