Shane Cole’s journey from homelessness to founding the charity Feed Up Warm Up is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and second chances. In 2018, while running his street food business, a rainy day left him with a surplus of unsold meals and a financial loss of £860. This sparked a moment of reflection, leading him to scribble down an idea on a napkin: “feed up warm up.” This simple phrase became the foundation for a charity that now provides vital support to hundreds of vulnerable individuals in Hertfordshire, offering not just food but a sense of community and hope.
Shane’s own experience with homelessness fuels his dedication. As a teenager, he faced a turbulent childhood marked by foster care, a strained relationship with his father, and ultimately, life on the streets. The Christmas he spent homeless, watching families celebrate while his own life felt paused, profoundly impacted him. Experiencing hunger, loneliness, and even contemplating suicide, Shane reached a breaking point. However, an encounter with a charity worker offered a lifeline. Through their support, he entered rehab, overcoming addiction and discovering a passion for catering. This transformative period laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, ultimately leading him to establish Feed Up Warm Up.
The charity has evolved into a vital resource for a diverse group of people facing various challenges. From the bustling drop-in center at the Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage Football Club, Feed Up Warm Up provides warm meals, groceries, and a sense of belonging to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, or loneliness. The stories of those who benefit from the charity’s services highlight its profound impact. Individuals like Caitlin, a young mother who found herself homeless and pregnant, received crucial support from Feed Up Warm Up, including shelter, food, and even hotel stays. Now, years later, Caitlin has transitioned from being a client to a volunteer, embodying the charity’s ethos of empowerment and giving back.
Feed Up Warm Up extends beyond providing immediate necessities; it offers a comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable individuals. The charity secures hotel rooms for those in need of shelter, furnishes homes for people moving into new accommodations, and even provides free haircuts, restoring dignity and boosting self-esteem. The charity’s impact resonates throughout the community, attracting support from local businesses like Tops Pizza, Mr Spud, and Misya Meze Grill, as well as garnering attention from local celebrities like “Nala the Station Cat.” This collaborative effort demonstrates the widespread recognition of Feed Up Warm Up’s vital role in addressing local needs.
The charity’s success is also deeply rooted in its dedicated volunteers, known as the “Orange Army” for their bright uniforms. These individuals contribute their time and compassion, forming meaningful connections with the people they serve. Liam Shields, a senior sales executive, embodies the spirit of the Orange Army. Drawn to the charity after witnessing the volunteers in action, he now acts as a “buddy” to clients, offering a listening ear and a friendly face. For Liam and many other volunteers, the reward lies in witnessing the positive impact of their efforts, seeing people leave the drop-in center with smiles on their faces. Their dedication underscores the importance of human connection and empathy in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals.
Shane’s vision for Feed Up Warm Up extends beyond its current scope. He aspires to expand the charity’s reach to other regions of England, ultimately aiming to create a dedicated rehabilitation center offering comprehensive support to help homeless individuals rebuild their lives. Central to his philosophy is a commitment to providing aid without judgment or means-testing. Having experienced the dehumanizing process of being interrogated for assistance in his own time of need, Shane insists on treating everyone with dignity and respect. This unwavering commitment to inclusivity forms the cornerstone of Feed Up Warm Up’s operations, fostering trust and ensuring that anyone in need can access support without barriers. His story is a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, transforming lives and building stronger, more compassionate communities.
