Latest news SPRING 2026

Mary Lewis writes:

After opening our fourth home in 2025, the Hope into Action Reading houses are now all fully occupied, providing safe homes and the security of positive relationships for 11 tenants. We've been able to support a record number of 17 tenants out of homelessness over the last year, and shared in many positive move-ons for our tenants, either to social housing, private rental or supported living. None of this would be possible without the dedication and support of our amazing church volunteers from English Martyrs, St James and St William of York RC churches and St John and St Stephen Anglican church who do so much to befriend and come alongside our tenants at a time of need. We keep in contact with the majority of our tenants after they move on, so those under the wings of Hope into Action Reading's love and support is ever increasing!

Our fifth home in Shinfield will open next month after the refurbishment of the house is complete. We have a team of volunteers from Shinfield Community Church ready and waiting to get started and join the HIAR family!

We are delighted to welcome our new Empowerment Worker, Jo to the team. Jo started in December and is all the way from the Welsh Valleys! She brings plenty of enthusiasm and experience in support work. All of the HIA Reading team - Mary, Marta and Jo work to empower both our volunteers and tenants in this wonderful ministry to see lives transformed through loving and serving others as Jesus would do.

Marta Gibas writes:

I joined Hope into Action Reading in August 2021 as an Empowerment Worker. My journey began through volunteering with the 'Bed for Night' project in Reading, which inspired me to continue working with others in need. I love meeting new people, getting to know their unique stories, and discovering God in their journeys.

Outside of work, I find my energy in nature, especially where water meets the mountains. I also very much enjoy listening to worship music. Working at Hope into Action is very fulfilling, as I get to be part of a team that shares similar values and a heart to support others.

Jo Harris writes:

I'm from South Wales but have recently moved to Reading and I LOVE it here. When making the move from Wales to Reading I was looking for a job that fulfilled the call I had from God to do mission work. I have been someone my whole life who has been surrounded by God and I felt very strongly about offering my life to God in both a personal and professional way. Aside from working as an Empowerment Worker, I spend a lot of my time going to gigs and concerts, playing my guitar, flute and singing along to to my favourite songs. I also love to bake and spend slow mornings with a cup of tea and a book.