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New church partnership to expand support for the homeless in Gorleston

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The Revd Matthew Price, Vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Hope into Action. Transformation is at the heart of the good news of the gospel and the Hope into Action model provides a framework in which our church congregation can be involved in and support God’s transforming work in the life of the tenants.

“For some years we have been involved in supporting people in homeless situations or on the edge of homelessness and this partnership represents a natural progression for our work as a church. Hope into Action’s track record of success in supporting people out of homelessness is excellent and we are excited about joining in with this work.”

Since 2012 Hope into Action’s Norwich office has opened twelve houses in partnership with churches in Norwich and the surrounding area, offering a safe home and supportive community for tenants coming out of homelessness situations. The model involves partnering every house with a local church, which provides volunteers to befriend the tenants and help in practical ways.

The new house which will house three male tenants is located in St Mary Magdalene’s parish on Gorleston’s Magdalen Estate. Over the last few weeks the house has been refurbished and is now ready to receive tenants. It is hoped the first tenant will be able to move in time for Christmas.

Tony Gray, Norwich Coordinator for Hope into Action said:

“It is a privilege and joy to be working with St Mary Magdalene Church, a small local church with a huge heart. So much of the positive journey of our tenants has come from feeling part of a community and having trustworthy relationships, and this is what the church provides so well.

“We look forward to working with local agencies so we can help by giving a home some of those who struggle to gain accommodation in the Great Yarmouth area.”

Hope into Action has also employed a new tenant empowerment worker, Catherine Metcalf, who will support the tenants and work alongside the friendship and support group made up of members of St Mary Magdalene church.