Jo Harris, Mary Lewis, Marta Gibas
Mary is our Team Lead, Marta and Jo are Church and Tenant Empowerment workers.
Jo Harris, Mary Lewis, Marta Gibas
Mary is our Team Lead, Marta and Jo are Church and Tenant Empowerment workers.
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.
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.
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
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
"In my life, before Hope into Action, it was a really big mess. I was at the lowest point and had no job, no home, nothing. I decided, that it was better if I was gone. So, I overdosed with prescription medication and after that I was in hospital for a long time. The Red Cross pointed me towards Hope into Action, which was a God send. They helped me a lot with everything – like paperwork, integrating into the church community, which is wonderful. I can say now I’m a better person, I’m in a better place. I will keep in contact with you always, the support I received was really important. I had you guys. Thank you!”
Hope into Action Reading tenant
Charity number: 1175092
Argyle Community Church, Argyle Road, Reading, RG1 7YL
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