Homeless and Rootless at Christmas (HARC) has been providing hot meals since 1989

For many in Sheffield, the Christmas period is defined by food, family, and celebration – but for those facing homelessness or without families, Christmas can be one of the most challenging times of the year.

This is where HARC (Homeless and Rootless at Christmas) has stepped in – transforming the holiday season into a time of “genuine community” for those who need it most. Serving a whopping 72 Christmas dinners to Sheffield’s ‘houseless and rootless’ locals, the efforts of HARC began long before the doors officially opened.

Hosted at Victoria Hall, in Sheffield, a dedicated team of volunteers have spent weeks organising supplies, preparing kitchens, and setting up a space designed to be more than just a shelter.

Their goal was to create a “warm, safe, and supportive environment” where guests are not just served – but welcomed with dignity. Co-Project Manager, Steph Haines, explained that this year, HARC is providing a vital lifeline during “some of the trickiest days” in the Christmas period.

HARC served over 70 hot Christmas Dinners(Image: HARC)

Steph said: “It’s about connection and community for our guests and out Volunteers. People have all sorts of reasons for needing our support, and some also have numerous reasons why Christmas will be a challenging time of year – whether it’s due to grief, homelessness, or a lack of community.

“It’s HARC’s goal to make sure that everyone here feels like they have a community they can really connect with.”

Serving hot food throughout the Christmas period, by the early afternoon of Christmas day, the kitchen had served 35 breakfasts and 72 full Christmas dinners to guests, seeking food and friendship. Steph explained that “none of this would be possible” without the “amazing volunteers” who choose to spend their own holidays helping others.

The HARC team preparing for Christmas Day (Image: HARC)

As the project continues through the final days of December, Steph explained that there is still a “whole host” of exciting entertainment lined up. Steph said: “We have a choir coming and there is also someone coming to play the bongos”.

Abtisam Mohamed, MP for the Labour Party, also praised HARC’s efforts, highlighting the “selfless” work from volunteers. Writing to Facebook, MP Mohamed said: “Today is the last day to donate to my fundraiser for Homeless and Rootless at Christmas (HARC), a Sheffield charity made up of selfless volunteers who will be working their hardest today to ensure that vulnerable adults can have a safe, sheltered Christmas dinner.”

About HARC

HARC (Homeless and Rootless at Christmas) is a volunteer-led charity that has served as a cornerstone of Sheffield’s festive support system since 1989. For over 35 years, the organization has opened its doors at Victoria Hall during the Christmas period – a time when many other vital services for the vulnerable are closed.

The HARC team preparing for Christmas Day(Image: HARC)

The project operates as a safe, warm day shelter for adults experiencing homelessness, social isolation, or extreme poverty. Beyond providing immediate relief through hot breakfasts, lunches, and takeaway evening meals, HARC offers a range of essential wellbeing services. These often include:

  • Practical Care: Access to warm clothing, toiletries, and laundry facilities.
  • Professional Services: On-site visits from hairdressers, podiatrists, and healthcare workers.
  • Community: Friendly conversation and entertainment to combat holiday loneliness.

Donations to HARC can be made here

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