FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY: Churchgoers are providing homes for the homeless

ONE thing we’re pleased about in Warblington-with-Emsworth is our five-year project to provide homes for four homeless people.

We’re working with the Christian charity Hope into Action (HiA), which is a national charity set up in 2010 - and also has a base in Portsmouth.

It works with local churches to provide much-needed homes for the homeless. There are now more than 130 such houses across the country and 11 in the Portsmouth area.

The way it works is that churches provide the funding to buy and furnish the houses, which are then leased back to Hope into Action for five years. The charity then manages the properties, asks homeless people to become tenants, and helps them to seek better lives.

One cause of homelessness is “poverty in relationships”, so the churches involved form a group that offers friendship and support to each tenant. They also pray for them, offer to do DIY or gardening, and even offer birthday and Christmas presents.

We now have two houses in Emsworth. One was provided by a church member after her mother died and wanted the property to be used this way. The other was bought by a group of five churchgoers who worked together over almost a year to find a suitable property.

The church was also involved with fundraising and furnishing the homes, which was an exciting time. Some things are bought new and some are good quality second-hand items. One inspired idea was to create something like a “wedding list” with a local hardware store and invite churchgoers each to buy an item from the list.

A vital principle is that the house is prepared to a standard that we would be happy to live in ourselves. So much painting was done and carpets replaced.

One indication as to whether this has been successful is that our tenants feel loved and supported by the church, whatever the outcome. Many of the people we work with have complex lives and face significant challenges.

In the past two-and-a-half years, seven people who were previously homeless have been provided with safe housing and supportive relationships. Family links have improved, mental health difficulties are stabilised and tenants are involved with volunteering and training.

We hope we have given stability and shown God’s love to those who are most vulnerable in our communities. This makes such a difference as they seek to transform their lives. Find out more on www.hopeintoaction.org.uk/portsmouth