Hope Into Action Portsmouth

Hope Into Action Portsmouth is a registered UK charity (charity number 1180865) dedicated to addressing homelessness by enabling local churches to provide homes and supportive communities for vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Established as a branch of the wider Hope Into Action UK network, the Portsmouth initiative works closely with churches and local partners to facilitate housing and ongoing support for people who have often been overlooked by other services.

Background and Mission

Hope Into Action Portsmouth operates under the broader vision of Hope Into Action UK, which began in 2010 with a mission to empower churches to house the homeless. The charity's unique approach combines providing physical housing with friendship, care, and advocacy, focusing on the belief that everyone has the right to a home and that churches have a vital role in addressing homelessness in their communities.

The charity serves a broad demographic, including men and women coming out of prison, people recovering from addiction, rough sleepers, victims of domestic violence, refugees, individuals with mental health issues, survivors of human trafficking, and others who face homelessness due to various complex circumstances.

Operations and Support Model

Hope Into Action Portsmouth collaborates with investors to purchase properties, which are then managed and maintained to provide safe housing environments. The charity works alongside a network of churches and partner organizations to deliver practical and emotional support to tenants. Churches contribute not only by providing homes but also through community, prayer, and ongoing friendship to help tenants rebuild their lives.

The charity manages the referral process, tenancy agreements, house maintenance, and continuous professional support, ensuring that each resident receives tailored assistance according to their needs. This holistic model is designed to support tenants in making life-transforming changes.

Local Impact

In Portsmouth, Hope Into Action is involved in providing housing and support for single people and families affected by homelessness. Local churches play a significant role in supporting tenants, including offering investment, prayer, and a caring community.

In addition to general housing provision, the charity is linked with specific residential services catering to families with varying levels of support needs through the Portsmouth Homeless Families Service (PHFS). This includes:

• Catherine Booth House: A residential centre for 24 families with high support needs.
• St Paul’s: A residential centre for 14 families requiring high support.
• St Monica’s House: A residential centre for 10 families with low support needs.
• Sublets and floating support arrangements for additional families living in community settings who receive help to maintain their tenancies.

These resources provide secure accommodation alongside support systems that help families and individuals manage tenancy challenges and aim for long-term stability.

Vision

Hope Into Action Portsmouth is driven by the vision that every church in the community can contribute to ending homelessness by providing homes and fostering supportive environments. The charity emphasizes that homelessness is a tragedy present in every community but believes that through partnership and dedicated support, lives can be transformed.

This summary reflects information based on registered charity details and the charity’s own descriptions of its work in the Portsmouth area, illustrating its role as a faith-based organisation tackling homelessness through housing and community support[1][2][3][4][5].

[1] https://portsmouth.hopeintoaction.org.uk [2] https://portsmouth.hopeintoaction.org.uk/about-us [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1180865&subid=0 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5127833/what-who-how-where [5] https://www.portsmouth.anglican.org/social-justice/homelessness/