Teenager launches project to keep the homeless warm in Exeter

A project in Exeter, organised by a 15-year old girl, is looking to raise money to purchase hot water bottles for the homeless in Exeter.

Sophie Clist who is 15 and is from Axminster, is looking to receive enough donations for at least 100 hot water bottles to give out to the homeless and displaced on the streets to keep them warm during the bitterly cold nights. 

The project is part of the Hot Water Bottle Network which already operates across the country including Brighton, Bristol, Manchester and Leicester and has seen many hundreds of bottles being distributed to those most in need. 

In some of these cities, hot water bottles are also hung from trees and are available at any time for those who need to collect them and use them for their own use. 

After seeing a need to help support the homeless in Exeter in a practical way, Sophie, who is a Christian, is now launching the project in Exeter. 

She is looking for people across the city to hear her heart to help others and donate towards purchasing the hot water bottles. 

The project is also looking for businesses across Exeter to be available for homeless people to come in and refill their bottles with water.

Volunteers who would be interested in help distribute the water bottles are being asked to come forward to and assist with the effort. 

Sophie said: "It hurts my heart to walk past someone on the street, knowing that I'm going home to a warm house. I really wanted to do something to make a real difference, and so I went home and prayed about it, and the idea of hot water bottles came to mind.

"I did a little research and came across the Hot Water Bottle Network, which has been done in a few other cities across Devon, but not yet Exeter, and so I decided to launch it here.

"I believe it's really important to help the homeless because they are people just like us, and I feel these people are often overlooked by society. Just because someone is homeless this is no reason to treat them as if they are inferior, or just walk past and ignore them.

"There is so much need, and with this, so much good we can do, and joy we can bring to people through the simplest of acts. God loves us all completely the same, he made us all in his likeness, and sent his same spirit to dwell in all of us. He gave us all hopes and passions, and he has plans for us all, and I really just want to show to as many people as possible this amazing love.

"It would be great if anyone wanted to get involved. Currently the best way to help would be to donate a water bottle, or some money towards one - we are aiming to collect one hundred! We are also looking for business that would be able to facilitate hot water refills, and so if you think you could do this, or know anyone who could help, please do get in touch.

"Thank you for standing with us and showing that we're not prepared to put up with social injustice, and for showing those on the streets that they are loved valued and cherished. It really means a lot!"

Nige Williams, Associate Pastor of Rediscover Church, who is working with Sophie on the project said:  "When you see the passion in someone’s heart to bring transformation in the life of another person it is inspiring. We firmly believe "that the true heart of a person can be seen when you help another who cannot give anything in return!

"Here at Rediscover Church we are excited to stand alongside Sophie and help facilitate this excellent project that will impact the lives of so many and make a tremendous difference."

Fundraising for the hot water bottles is now open.

They can be purchased for £6 each at www.rediscoverchurch.com/keepwarmand those interested in volunteering with the project can do so on the webpage too.

Any business interested in opening up their doors to people refilling their hot water bottles are asked to email office@rediscoverchurch.com