Hope into Action: Bristol is inHope’s partnership with churches and investors to provide move-on homes for the most vulnerable people in the city.  The second tenant of one of the new homes shares part of his story, how he can’t believe he’s about to move into a proper home, and why providing homes is so important.

10 years without a home

I’ve been let down my whole life. I’ve been through the care system and in and out of prison. I haven’t had anywhere I can call home. When I left prison 10 years ago I was moved into a hostel, where I have been ever since. It is noisy, there’s lots of anti-social behaviour, no cooker, and people steal your food out of the fridge. It is a stressful place to live.

When I met Esther (HiaB Empowerment Worker) and the people from the church I knew I could trust them. I felt safe straight away.

When I looked round the house last week for the first time I was very emotional as it was so homely, clean and tidy. There were no broken doors or windows and there was a cooker! In my bedroom I have a wardrobe and a comfy bed. At the hostel I have been sleeping in a bunk bed for 10 years. I sleep on the bottom and my clothes are on the top bunk.

This system is great

Hope into Action are amazing. They give people like me a chance, a new life, a normal life. The referral process takes a while as they want to have the right people in the house, to make sure they get on together. They don’t just stick anyone in the house. I’ve never seen this system before – it is great.

Esther told me they have been praying for the right person for the house. I have been crying out for 45 years and I feel like I have been heard and listened to.

I can’t believe it

I have been made to feel so welcome and safe. I can’t believe it – it still hasn’t sunk in that I will be moving into a wonderful home. I am so happy. All I’ve wanted is a home – now I’ve got one! There should be more churches helping people like me – giving people a chance, a new life, a normal life.

You can find out more about Hope into Action: Bristol and why providing homes is so important, click here.

If you would like to donate to Hope into Action: Bristol, you can do so here.