Hope into Action

Hope into Action is a Christian charity based in the United Kingdom that partners with local churches to provide housing and holistic support for people experiencing homelessness, survivors of modern slavery, and refugees. Founded in Peterborough in 2010, the organization operates a unique model where churches purchase or rent properties to house vulnerable individuals, backed by the charity's professional support framework. It has expanded across the UK, working with hundreds of churches to support thousands of people.

History and founding

Hope into Action was founded in 2010 in Peterborough by Ed Walker, a former City of London investment banker. The inspiration for the charity emerged from Walker's voluntary work with Homeless Link and his direct experiences with individuals facing homelessness in Cambridgeshire. The initial pilot project involved partnering with a local church to provide a home for a man recently released from HM Prison Peterborough. This successful collaboration, supported by the Bishop of Peterborough, established the foundational church-partnership model. The charity's early growth was aided by recognition from The Guardian and seed funding from The Rank Foundation, allowing it to expand beyond its East of England origins.

Mission and model

The mission is to enable churches to house and holistically support the most marginalized in society. Its core operational model is a three-way partnership between the charity, a local church, and a tenant. The church provides the property—either through purchase or rental—and a team of volunteer befrienders. The charity manages all tenancy agreements, provides intensive, professional support workers, and trains the church volunteers. This model is designed to combat issues like social isolation and create a community around the tenant, addressing complex needs arising from trauma, addiction, or the asylum process. The theological underpinning is drawn from principles of Christian ministry and social justice.

Programmes and services

The primary programme is the supported housing partnership, which manages hundreds of properties nationwide for single adults and families. Specific specialist programmes include dedicated support for survivors of modern slavery, in partnership with the Salvation Army and the National Referral Mechanism. Another key service supports refugees and asylum seekers, including those resettled through the UK Resettlement Scheme and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. The charity also runs a "Hope into Action for Churches" training programme, equipping congregations with the skills to support vulnerable tenants. Additional services involve advocacy with local authorities like Peterborough City Council and debt advice through partnerships with Christians Against Poverty.

Impact and recognition

Since its founding, the charity has partnered with over 200 churches across the UK, including Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and Roman Catholic congregations. It has provided homes and support for several thousand people. Its impact reports highlight high tenancy sustainment rates and positive outcomes in mental health and employment. The model has received recognition from successive Archbishops of Canterbury and was featured in a BBC documentary. It has won awards such as the Guardian Public Service Award and the Housing Excellence Awards. The charity's research on church-based social action has been cited by Theos (think tank) and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Faith and Society.

Partnerships and funding

Funding is derived from a combination of housing benefit, grants from charitable trusts like the Henry Smith Charity and National Lottery Community Fund, and donations from individuals and partner churches. Critical strategic partnerships include long-standing relationships with Housing Justice and the Centre for Theology & Community. The charity works closely with statutory agencies, including the Home Office and various Police and Crime Commissioners' offices, particularly on modern slavery support. Corporate partnerships have included projects with KPMG and Linklaters. Its expansion has been supported by grants from mission agencies such as Church Mission Society and Anglican Communion funds.

Category:Charities based in the United Kingdom Category:Homelessness organizations Category:Organizations established in 2010