Investment plea for Norfolk home for homeless  

A Christian partnership in South Norfolk is looking for investors to help buy a home for homeless people in Diss.

Hope Raisers is a Community Interest Company working in partnership with Hope Church, Diss, and is in the process of purchasing a home for the homeless in the Diss area and wants to find investment to make this possible.

Simeon Playford, from Hope Raisers, said: “Our intention is to purchase a house in close proximity to Hope Church using the well-known national franchise model from Hope into Action.

“Hope into Action is an award-winning charity started in Peterborough by its founder, Ed Walker, who had a God-given vision to use the resources of the church to purchase homes for homeless people. To date, HIA franchises have now purchased over 100 homes across the UK housing hundreds of people struggling to find a place to live.”

In 2022, Hope into Action partner churches were able to give homes, listening and love to a total of 256 adults and 96 children: refugees, former sex-workers, those leaving prison, escaping addiction, domestic violence, abuse or rough sleeping, thanks to an army of supporters providing prayer, investment, donations or volunteering.

“The HIA model uses a partner church to provide a supportive network for the residents of their homes,” said Simeon. “A friendship and support group gives one-to-one support to each resident offering them constructive help with life skills but, most importantly, someone to listen. A maintenance team will offer help with household tasks and a dedicated prayer team prays for each resident weekly. We are very excited to have started the journey of purchasing our first home.

“We have already raised approximately 50% of the investment needed and if you would like more information or to consider investing in a house please contact me.”

simeon.playford@hopeintoaction.org.uk

Pictured above are the Hope Raisers team in Diss.