Charity helps over 400 people furnish homes in fight against homelessness

The big picture: The charity's impact report for 2023-24 reveals:

• 418 people in 239 households, including 154 children, received support

• 88 households got emergency bedding and appliances

• 160 households received flooring and carpets

• 462 new whitegoods were supplied

• Total value of support: £875,825

Why it matters: The campaign aims to help people transitioning out of homelessness set up their new homes, empowering them to break the cycle of homelessness.

Lucy Parish, Hopestead's head of operations, said: "Hope at home is about ensuring that people moving into a property from a route of homelessness have essential items to enable them to thrive, so they are empowered to break the cycle of homelessness."

Between the lines: The charity reports rising demand for its services across the east of England:

• Over 20,000 people experienced homelessness in the region last year

• More than 18,000 were living in temporary accommodation

• The cost-of-living crisis led to increased support needs for household debt, food and fuel

Other initiatives:

• Hopestead Place: Two self-contained modular homes in Ipswich for people transitioning out of homelessness, opened by Sir Terry Waite.

• Hope Funds: £176,000 in grants to 19 charities and groups for projects reducing homelessness.

What's next: Hopestead plans to launch a new Voice of Hope campaign to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes to end homelessness.

Parish said: "Voice of Hope will campaign for better outcomes for the people we support by raising awareness of homelessness and the importance of housing in general. We will urge politicians and policymakers to drive long-term positive changes that can end homelessness for good."