The UK faces a profound housing crisis. 
In 2023, according to government statistics*:

• Rough sleeping, the most visible form of homelessness, rose by 27%.
• There were 105,000 households in temporary accommodation, including more than 131,000 children. This is the highest since records began.

The lack of affordable and accessible housing is a deep social injustice in the UK today. 

But homelessness is a deeper problem than just a lack of housing. While housing, the bricks and mortar of accommodation, is a vital resource, homes are more than just a roof over your head.

Homes are places of relationship and identity. Where we feel safe, secure and loved.

Too many people feel unloved, isolated and rejected by those around them. Too many are affected by an epidemic of loneliness and a chronic lack of community.

Homelessness brings together these different forms of poverty: of resources, of relationships and identity. Our answer to homelessness needs to respond to all three.

Poverty of Resources: Homelessness means not having a safe place to sleep, a home to call your own, or the financial means to change your circumstances. This could be affected by employment and education, but also factors such as addiction.

We want to restore people to a place of safety and security, helping them get back on their feet and pursue a future through education, skills learning or work.

Poverty of Relationships: When families break down, relationships end or trauma and hurt breaks ties, people might have nobody to turn to. This can be particularly true for refugees or ex-offenders, who might be trying to build a new life away from everyone they know.

Our Friendship & Support volunteers connect with tenants to provide real community and hope. The volunteers are based in a local church which can offer a unique community to tenants during their stay in their house.

Poverty of Identity: It can be hard to retain a sense of value and self-worth when experiencing homelessness, addiction and the breakdown of relationships. this can lead to a lack of confidence, optimism and hope for the future.

We support people to rebuild their lives and find a new identity. We believe if we love people well, offer them grace and and support, and give them the opportunity to work, volunteer and build friendships, they can restore their sense of value and transform their lives.