Brighton-based homelessness charity given van makeover

Richard Earley, from Portslade, was driving along King's Road in Brighton, and was complimented on his classic Mini by a homeless man crossing the street.

The 49-year-old said the encounter made him notice the homeless people gathered round a van at Hove Lawns. 

The van had a simple logo saying “Knight support”.

Despite initially thinking it was a security company, Richard realised it was a charity which provides food, drink and clothes, set up by a formerly homeless woman.

The van before refurbishment

He told The Argus: “I wondered what it could be and Googled them, it said they give out food and clothing donations once a week to homeless people.

“I just thought we could help make their branding clearer, I thought they were a security company or something when in actual fact they support the city’s homeless.

“I stumbled across them, it just needed to give people a bit more awareness of what they’re doing. I thought we could help a little bit with their branding for free.

“It was just this once chance comment from this homeless guy and it made me notice the van.

The van after being refurbished

The charity was set up by Lynne Knight, who faced homelessness after battling alcohol addiction and being diagnosed with complex PTSD.

On Monday, Richard revamped the van, adding clearer branding and the charity’s website.

Richard added: “She set the charity up knowing what hard times people can be going through.

Lynne by her van at the Peace Statue in Hove Lawns

“I was truly inspired by the thoughtfulness of this group of volunteers. Those people that wanted to help others in whatever way they could. Some of these volunteers may have their own stories to tell. 

“Just remember we are all human, we all have a past and sometimes life can hit you hard. You can fall on bad times, whether through losing your job, a partner's death or a break up, or growing up without family support.

“My company, Recreative Signs, wanted to rebrand their van which we have done for free. It needed more information on it to say what Knight Support do by helping our homeless and those in need. We even gave it a polish!”

Lynne Knight, founder of Knight Support, said: "Life on the streets is very tough at present with us seeing an unprecedented rise in homeless people at our weekly Sunday outreach at the Peace Statue. 

"We would like to thank Richard Earley for this donation of his time and services along with their ongoing financial support. 

"We would also like to thank the wider communities for their help for our homeless. Together we are stornger at improving the lives of those in neeed."