Cool to be Kind: Homeless Help initiatives

Tackling Homelessness Together

Welcome to Cool to be Kind, a community  project based on providing help with homelessness and support for the vulnerable in Chelmsford, Essex.  Explore our structured initiatives (such as  Food Runners, Warm Hearts for Cold Hands, and The Rucksack Project) as we champion impactful change. Join us in our mission to end homelessness, one kind gesture at a time.

 

  • Fundraising
    • Cool to be Kind

      At Cool to be Kind, our dedication is clear: we’re committed to making a difference for those vulnerable individuals grappling with homelessness in the South East. Established in 2015 in Chelmsford, Essex, we’ve seen growth both in our team membership and the scope of our initiatives. Today, Cool to be Kind participates in various activities, including the distribution of food and warm clothing, active lobbying for change, and the management of “Street Support Chelmsford.” Explore our engagement structure and initiatives in the diagram below.

      • One Cool Day

        Young singer in a band

        One Cool Day

        Cool to be Kind orchestrates ‘One Cool Day’ nearly every year, a philanthropic extravaganza that transcends the ordinary. This remarkable event stands as a celebration of compassion, spotlighting the remarkable talents of our local artists through captivating and soul-stirring performances. As attendees revel in the vibrancy of artistic expression, the festival becomes a beacon of hope and unity. Beyond its aesthetic allure, ‘One Cool Day’ holds a profound purpose—its proceeds are a lifeline, fortifying our ongoing community outreach initiatives. Every note played and every applause shared contribute to the collective effort, enabling our organization to extend vital aid to those navigating the challenges of homelessness.

      • Street Support
        Chelmsford

        Street support chelmsford logo

        Street Support Chelmsford

        Championing the cause of compassion, we are dedicated to curating and overseeing an online directory of services aimed at fostering assistance for the vulnerable and combating homelessness. This digital platform stands as a testament Cool to be Kind’s commitment to making resources easily accessible, offering a comprehensive array of support services to those in need. From shelter options to vital assistance programs, our directory serves as a guiding light, ensuring that help is just a click away. By managing this virtual hub, we strive to create a seamless avenue for individuals and communities to access the support they require in the era of connectivity.

      • Housing First

        Young woman in a protest march

        Housing First

        By ardently urging local government officials, Cool to be Kind is pushing for comprehensive solutions, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of rehousing for those in need. The key phrase “help for the homeless” encapsulates the core of our mission, emphasizing the importance of systemic changes to support individuals facing homelessness. Tirelessly Cool to be Kind works to raise awareness, engage with local policymakers, and create a collective call to action for compassionate initiatives that prioritize rehousing. Everyone has the right to a life without abuse and with the fundamental comforts of secure shelter and nourishment.

      • The Rucksack
        Project

        an image of a rucksak with ruckie the mascot

        The Rucksack Project

        Cool to be Kind’s annual community outreach initiative is a heartfelt call to action, inviting volunteers to join in the compassionate endeavor of filling rucksacks with essentials for individuals living on the streets. This initiative recognizes the importance of extending a helping hand to those facing the challenges of homelessness and strives to make a meaningful impact by providing practical necessities. Volunteers play a crucial role in this initiative, contributing their time and effort to assemble rucksacks filled with essential items that can bring comfort and support to those in need. Cool to be Kind’s commitment to kindness and community shines through this annual outreach, emphasizing the power of collective goodwill. The act of filling rucksacks becomes a symbol of care and empathy, reflecting the belief that small gestures can have a significant and positive influence on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.

      • Warm Hearts for
        Cold Hands

        warm clothing distributed by an outreach

        Warm Hearts for Cold Hands

        Through our community outreach initiative, Warm Hearts for Cold Hands, we strive to bring comfort and essential support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Every Wednesday evening, you can find us at the Chelmsford Library entrance, dedicated to providing warmth through clothing, sleeping bags, tents, and hygiene products. This initiative goes beyond merely distributing physical items; it is a heartfelt effort to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing homelessness. The provision of these essentials not only addresses immediate needs for warmth and hygiene but also symbolizes our commitment to fostering a sense of dignity and care within the community. Warm Hearts for Cold Hands embodies the spirit of compassion and community solidarity, reaching out to those in need and making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.

      • Food Runners

        Food runners distributing food

        Food Runners

        At Cool to be Kind, our dedication is clear: we’re committed to making a difference for those Sourcing excess food and distributing it through local community outreach groups and charitable organizations play a crucial role in providing help for the homeless and supporting vulnerable individuals. This vital service not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also contributes significantly to alleviating the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. By partnering with various stakeholders, such as businesses, farms, and donors, the initiative ensures a sustainable supply of food that can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. The collaboration between these entities forms a powerful network, working together to bring about positive change and extend a helping hand to those who are most vulnerable in our communities. The phrase “help for the homeless” encapsulates the essence of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for those facing homelessness.

  • Food Runners

    Food runners distributing food

    Food Runners

    At Cool to be Kind, our dedication is clear: we’re committed to making a difference for those Sourcing excess food and distributing it through local community outreach groups and charitable organizations play a crucial role in providing help for the homeless and supporting vulnerable individuals. This vital service not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also contributes significantly to alleviating the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. By partnering with various stakeholders, such as businesses, farms, and donors, the initiative ensures a sustainable supply of food that can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. The collaboration between these entities forms a powerful network, working together to bring about positive change and extend a helping hand to those who are most vulnerable in our communities. The phrase “help for the homeless” encapsulates the essence of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for those facing homelessness.

    • Serving Meals
      • Volunteer Outreaches
      • Charities and Charitable Organisations
        • Sanctus
        • Food Canteens
    • Food Sourcing
      • Supermarkets
      • Retail
  • Warm Hearts for Cold Hands

    warm clothing distributed by an outreach

    Warm Hearts for Cold Hands

    Through our community outreach initiative, Warm Hearts for Cold Hands, we strive to bring comfort and essential support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Every Wednesday evening, you can find us at the Chelmsford Library entrance, dedicated to providing warmth through clothing, sleeping bags, tents, and hygiene products. This initiative goes beyond merely distributing physical items; it is a heartfelt effort to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing homelessness. The provision of these essentials not only addresses immediate needs for warmth and hygiene but also symbolizes our commitment to fostering a sense of dignity and care within the community. Warm Hearts for Cold Hands embodies the spirit of compassion and community solidarity, reaching out to those in need and making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.

    • Keeping People Warm
      • Wenesday Lay-By
      • Other Outreaches
        • Essex
        • London
    • Supplier Sourcing
      • PP&P
      • Irons Supporting Foodbanks
      • Individuals
  • The Rucksack Project

    an image of a rucksak with ruckie the mascot

    The Rucksack Project

    Cool to be Kind’s annual community outreach initiative is a heartfelt call to action, inviting volunteers to join in the compassionate endeavor of filling rucksacks with essentials for individuals living on the streets. This initiative recognizes the importance of extending a helping hand to those facing the challenges of homelessness and strives to make a meaningful impact by providing practical necessities. Volunteers play a crucial role in this initiative, contributing their time and effort to assemble rucksacks filled with essential items that can bring comfort and support to those in need. Cool to be Kind’s commitment to kindness and community shines through this annual outreach, emphasizing the power of collective goodwill. The act of filling rucksacks becomes a symbol of care and empathy, reflecting the belief that small gestures can have a significant and positive influence on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.

    • Keeping People Warm
      • Our Outreach
      • Other Outreaches
    • Donors
      • Business
      • Public Facilities
      • Individuals
    • Media
      • Social Media
      • Local Radio
  • Housing First

    Young woman in a protest march

    Housing First

    By ardently urging local government officials, Cool to be Kind is pushing for comprehensive solutions, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of rehousing for those in need. The key phrase “help for the homeless” encapsulates the core of our mission, emphasizing the importance of systemic changes to support individuals facing homelessness. Tirelessly Cool to be Kind works to raise awareness, engage with local policymakers, and create a collective call to action for compassionate initiatives that prioritize rehousing. Everyone has the right to a life without abuse and with the fundamental comforts of secure shelter and nourishment.

    • Homeless Link
    • Chelmsford Homeless Forum
      • CCC
      • ECC
      • Charities
        • CHESS
        • Sanctus
      • Statutory Services
  • Street Support Chelmsford

    Street support chelmsford logo

    Street Support Chelmsford

    Championing the cause of compassion, we are dedicated to curating and overseeing an online directory of services aimed at fostering assistance for the vulnerable and combating homelessness. This digital platform stands as a testament Cool to be Kind’s commitment to making resources easily accessible, offering a comprehensive array of support services to those in need. From shelter options to vital assistance programs, our directory serves as a guiding light, ensuring that help is just a click away. By managing this virtual hub, we strive to create a seamless avenue for individuals and communities to access the support they require in the era of connectivity.

    • Supporting Vulnerable People
    • 76 Organisations
      • Information & Signposting
      • 144 Services
  • One Cool Day

    Young singer in a band

    One Cool Day

    Cool to be Kind orchestrates ‘One Cool Day’ nearly every year, a philanthropic extravaganza that transcends the ordinary. This remarkable event stands as a celebration of compassion, spotlighting the remarkable talents of our local artists through captivating and soul-stirring performances. As attendees revel in the vibrancy of artistic expression, the festival becomes a beacon of hope and unity. Beyond its aesthetic allure, ‘One Cool Day’ holds a profound purpose—its proceeds are a lifeline, fortifying our ongoing community outreach initiatives. Every note played and every applause shared contribute to the collective effort, enabling our organization to extend vital aid to those navigating the challenges of homelessness.

    • Venue
    • Artists
    • Food and Drink