Norwich charity's new house and free training 

Christian homeless charity Hope into Action has announced that it is soon to open a sixth house in Norwich, is offering a free training day in the city and advertising for a part-time administrator.

Hope into Action has hit the ground running in 2015 with news of a sixth house, offering supported accommodation to the homeless and vulnerable of Norwich, set to open in conjunction with Sprowston Parish Church.
 
The Christian charity relies on partner churches to offer an essential model of pastoral love and support – which makes this model differ from other housing providers.
 
Penny Rennie, friendship & support group co-ordinator at Sprowston St Cuthbert’s, said: "We’re delighted to be able to work with Hope into Action.  The Christian ethos is that we must help the less fortunate in the world and this scheme means we can actively help the needy in our own community. It’s such a practical way in which we can become involved and make a real difference in people’s lives.”
 
The house is in the process of being refurbished and as with the other five houses, it will become home to tenants who are referred to Hope into Action through different means. Some tenants have struggled in the areas of addiction, others are offenders and others have simply fallen on bad times. All share the need to have a place to call their own and grasp the opportunity at a fresh start.
 
Norwich Hope into Action Coordinator Kate Doran-Smith said: “I’m humbled and honoured every day to do my job and see the local church seek to serve those that are in need. Whether it’s posting anonymous Christmas presents or offering a lift to an appointment, we can’t underestimate the power of simple acts of love, when they are done in the name of Jesus.”
 
One tenant was recently asked how she had found her year’s tenancy at Hope into Action and how the support around it had helped her. She replied: “I’ve never had that feeling before, where I know when I’m in my blackest despair that I will get through it and I have people to talk to. It’s indescribable.”
 
Hope into Action started in Peterborough in 2010 and has been operating in Norwich since 2012. They now have 26 houses homing over 60 people across the country.
 

Homelessness initiative to provide a free day of training

 
As part of its mission to bring together like-minded individuals, with a heart to serve the homeless, Hope into Action is piloting a new training initiative in Norwich which is free and open to all.
 
A line-up of experienced professionals will share their thoughts and views on how to help those in need at St Elizabeth’s Church, Cadge Road, on Saturday January 17 from 10am – 2pm.
 
The speakers include Ermir Prendi, who is the single homeless and rough sleeper coordinator for Norwich City Council, Kath Habershon who has 15 years experience dealing with women fighting drug and alcohol addiction, Ian Fox, the training deliverer for Leeway – supporting those in domestic violence and Kevin Hanner, the service manager at Under 1 Roof, a local support project addressing the needs of the homeless and vulnerable.
 
To book into the day event, please email penny.jones@hia.org.uk
 

Chance to work for Hope into Action

There is an exciting opportunity to join the team, as Hope into Action advertise for a paid, part time administrator in Norwich. Kate said: “We are looking for someone who excels in administration, who preferably has experience in property and finance – although training will be provided.” See the job advert on this website.
 
To find out more about Hope into Action, please see www.hopeintoaction.org.uk
 
There are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s by financially giving, getting your church involved, being added to the electronic prayer network or donating furniture and household goods. Contact Kate to know more kate.doran-smith@hia.org.uk 
 
Pictured above are Hope into Action volunteers from NCBC helping to prepare food for a cake sale to support the charity's house in Norwich supported by NCBC and Hebron Trust.