New project offers hope to families who are homeless

Families who are homeless in the Saffron Walden area will have more support after a homeless housing charity joined forces with The Salvation Army and other local churches.

The partnership between Hope into Action and Christians in the town will initially see a family who currently has no permanent place to live move into a safe, secure home.

Hope into Action UK has a network of over 124 houses in more than 35 towns and cities across the UK, all partnered with local churches. Homes are purchased by investors who lease properties back to Hope into Action for five years.

Every Hope Into Action house is partnered with a church.  The Salvation Army in Saffron Walden is the lead church on this project and will organise and provide friendship for the family. The local group will work closely with the Cambridge Hope into Action team to provide practical and social support so tenants soon feel part of the community in Saffron Walden.

Anne Wiles from Hope into Action works with families in the area.

She said: “Homelessness is a big issue across the UK and the number of people living with no place to call their home is increasing with an estimated one in every 200 households experiencing homelessness. We create homes for people who have been homeless and want to empower churches to house vulnerable families in their community.

“The vision of all those involved in this new partnership is to see people journey from homelessness to hope.  Hope House will provide a place where those experiencing homelessness can find dignity and security and eventually move on successfully into more permanent accommodation.”

Julia Attwood leads The Salvation Army in Saffron Walden and said she believes the project will have a significant impact.

“We believe this can make a lasting difference to homelessness, addiction and poverty. Through church volunteers, tenants are surrounded by a supportive, caring community helping them to get back on their feet again. We’re looking forward to getting started.”

With refurbishment complete at the house, Julia and the other church volunteers in the town are looking forward to welcoming the first tenants. 

Matt Morton, team leader for Hope into Action Cambridge, said they were delighted to be adding a home in Saffron Walden to the list.

The Salvation Army in Saffron Walden runs activities including Taketime Bible Meditation on the second Monday of the month, a Community Drop-In on Wednesdays and a Creative Group on the third Thursday every month.

For more details, go to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/saffron-walden