The Christian homelessness charity, Hope into Action, has been recognised at the Homeless Link’s national Excellence Awards 2024, winning one of the five prestigious awards.
Homeless Link, the national membership charity for frontline homelessness organisations, holds these annual awards to celebrate the innovative and impactful work being done across the sector to support people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in England.
Hope into Action, which collaborates closely with churches to provide a unique form of supported housing, received the award for Successful Partnerships. The award recognised their exceptional collaboration and partnership initiatives in addressing homelessness. They were selected from 149 entries across five categories, 30 of which were shortlisted.
The award came with a £3,000 prize, provided by St-Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, to be invested in staff wellbeing and learning and development.
The judging panel, consisting of five experts from across the homelessness sector, praised Hope into Action for its unique and replicable partnership approach, highlighting its potential to support many more people across the country sustainably.
Currently, Hope into Action operates a network of 116 houses, each partnered with a local church, and last year provided housing for 486 people.
Kate Doran-Smith of Hope into Action expressed her gratitude in a statement, saying: “In my job it’s a joy to see the power of partnerships every single day. Without our investors, we can’t purchase homes. Without our church volunteers, we couldn’t offer belonging and community. Without our franchise partners, we couldn’t see the model reach across the UK. Without our supporters, we wouldn’t be able to keep our rents affordable.
"I’m delighted for everyone who’s contributed in countless ways to be acknowledged by this award. It’s recognition that there’s a growing army of people who want to use their gifts, talents, and resources to work together and offer truly holistic support to those who so desperately need it. At a time when polarisation seems rife, it’s good and pleasant to see people working in unity. It’s the hope for the future.”
Rick Henderson, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, added: “(The awards) highlight the innovative, impactful, and dedicated work happening across the country to ensure that people have a place to call home and the support they need to keep it.
With homelessness organisations still under huge pressure from ballooning demand amidst cuts to their funding, it’s important to recognise these exceptional efforts."
He concluded: "I look forward to seeing their model expand further to support even more people to leave homelessness behind. We congratulate them on receiving this award.”