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The Norfolk and Norwich Christian community website

Norwich churches asked to invest in homeless

Hope into Action300A Christian charity is appealing for churches in Norwich to partner with them to give homeless people a new start by buying them a home.

The award winning Christian charity, Hope into Action, is pioneering a model of partnering with churches to provide much needed homes and professional support for some of the most marginalised people in society.

 

The charity is looking to expand its work into Norwich and is seeking partner churches to join with them and invest in this important work.

The relatively new charity has been operating successfully in Peterborough and Cambridge since 2010. They currently work with 10 churches from different denominations, operating 9 houses, housing and rehabilitating 10 ex addicts, 11 ex-offenders, 2 former rough sleepers and one mother and child who fled domestic violence.

Ed Walker, Executive Director of Hope into Action said: “Our vision is that in 20 years time anyone walking into a church in this country will expect to find them running an Alpha course, praising with a worship band and investing in a house purchased for the homeless.

“We are encouraging a way of using resources which can enable a church to fulfill the parable of the talents by making a sound investment, serve the poorest in the community and build up the church.”

On Thursday 17th May, 5pm – 7pm, Hope into Action invite interested churches and individuals to a presentation with refreshments at Norwich’s House of Prayer, Fishergate to find out more and ask questions.

The model works with a church committing to support two adults in one house. The church then invests in buying a suitable property and the charity identifies and supports the housing of two homeless adults into the house.

Hope into Action provides a support worker to deal with professional issues such as benefits, rent, action planning and liaison with other agencies. The church volunteers a support group from within the church, who are trained to befriend, mentor and support the residents.

It is a model that is proving successful for transforming lives.

Ed said: “Karen is an ex-offender and heroin addict who found herself 7 months pregnant with no-where to live. We have given her and her new born baby a home and a support network with the local church. She, her father and her other daughter have come to church and continue coming to church.”

If you would like to find out more about partnering with Hope into Action please contact them at admin@hopeintoaction.org.uk or phone 01733 558301. All are welcome to attend the Hope into Action presentation at the House of Prayer on Thursday 17th May, 5pm – 7pm with no need to book in advance.

www.hopeintoaction.org.uk


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