Jo Harris, Mary Lewis, Marta Gibas

Mary is our Team Lead, Marta and Jo are Church and Tenant Empowerment workers.  

Who we are

We are Hope into Action Reading, a franchise of the national charity Hope into Action UK, empowering local churches in Reading to open homes for those experiencing homelessness in the area.

What we do

At Hope into Action Reading, we believe the church is ideally placed to be at the forefront of addressing the need of homelessness and we partner with local churches to provide housing for those who find themselves without a home.

Who we help

People experiencing homelessness who need additional support. This includes those who have experienced relationship breakdowns or mental health crises, those fleeing violence or persecution, those in recovery from addictions and those with an offending history.

• Shared single sex independent supported accommodation for single men and women (including single women with a child)

• Tenancies from 6 months to 2 years

• No local connection required

• Our tenants usually have recourse to public funds, or if not, have permission to work or access to other funding

• We offer a worker's bursary for those in full-time employment to keep rent affordable

How we make a difference

When we provide a safe home and the security of positive relationships, we witness our tenants find confidence, motivation and belief in change. In 2023/24, our tenants’ achievements include:

• 100% of those who have had previous custodial sentences have not returned to prison

• 80% of tenants saw improvements in positive social relationships with friends / family

• 90% were empowered to work at and achieve their main goals during the year

• 70% found employment, attended training or volunteer regularly

• 100% of move-ons were positive to more permanent, appropriate, and independent housing