Hope into Action

The Homeless problem is very much a part of our society in Britain today (a recent Government report said it had increased by 16% in the past year) . Although the reasons for someone becoming homeless vary, the effects it has on the individuals who find themselves in this position are equally devastating. When we see homelessness today and the effects it has on people it is no wonder there is a clear Biblical mandate to “ provide the poor wanderer shelter” Isaiah 58v7.  Helping address the effects of homelessness has always been a challenge for the church, and there have been many noble responses to this over the years, some of which still exist today.
Hope Into Action is a Christian charity set up with the single purpose of enabling churches to house the homeless.  The church is in a unique position to provide community support and God’s love to vulnerable people. Hope Into Action provides houses and training to rehouse the vulnerable in partnership with local churches. This is done alongside a professional support worker taking care of all the support issues and the property management aspect of housing. The church then provides a friendship and support group of individuals who are committed to providing the tenants community support, non judgemental relationships, practical support and prayer. With this in place the tenants have time and space to deal with some of the issues that drove them into homelessness in the first place and will give them a chance to take steps towards restoring their lives and living independently again.
Hope Into Action aims to put 2 people into each of its houses and each house linked to a church support group. Rent for this accommodation is paid for by housing benefits, which covers the maintenance of the house.
There is an opportunity for Hope Into Action to open a house in Ashby de la Zouch. What is needed is a group of volunteers from the local churches to commit to forming the friendship and support group and in particular an individual to head that group up. The group will then be fully trained by Hope Into Action and will have the support of a Hope Into Action support worker. The time commitment will vary depending on the individual tenants, but might be a few hours contact time per week. The support that is required is based around building a relationship with the tenants and can be done by inviting them for a coffee, inviting them to church, supporting some of their practical needs and praying for the individuals.
The set up of the house in Ashby de la Zouch is being overseen by Richard Meikle who is the Hope Into Action Nottingham coordinator. If you would like to be involved in this project or would like Richard to come and speak with you or your church to provide further information please contact him on Richard.meikle@hopeintoaction.org.uk.  Please pray for this project and encourage any people you may know who have a heart for homelessness to get involved.