House Built on Love: The enterprising team creating homes for the homeless

Reflections from the Scorched Earth is a book by Ed Walker that describes his nine years of living and working in six distinct war zones as a Christian humanitarian aid worker with Tearfund. He and his wife Rachel felt the call to start a Christian charity working with ex-offenders and the homeless, and in 2010 they set up Hope into Action, which has now grown to 51 homes across fifteen towns and cities. The vision is simple but devastatingly effective: it provides a vehicle for Christians with money to invest in housing stock, with a modest but guaranteed return. Tenants come from a variety of backgrounds, including men coming out of prison and stuck in hostels, and refugees fleeing from Sudan, Darfur, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Syria, and Iran. 87% of tenants succeeded in maintaining their tenancies, 89% of those who had been in custody refrained from crime, 81% of those with addictions reduced or ceased their drug use, 82% reported improved relations with their families, 47% were involved in volunteering, education or training, and 23% had found a job. Ed and his small team have seen God move and provide in amazing, multiple ways, including miracles, healings, conversions, churches transformed, and heart-breaks and dangerous situations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2020
Publisher: SPCK Publishing

People leaving prison, refugees, and victims of abuse and prostitution all struggle to find a home, build relationships, and get back on their feet. The root cause of homelessness is relational: the homeless suffer not just the lack of a roof but also the lack of love. But what if someone could provide not only a home but also a network? Real people, who knew what they were doing and who cared? In 2007, Ed Walker published a book called Reflections from the Scorched Earth with Monarch Books. It described his nine years of living and working in six distinct war zones, notably in Darfur, as a Christian humanitarian aid worker with Tearfund. Returning to the UK, Ed worked for the YMCA for three years. But before long, Ed and Rachel felt the call to start a genuinely Christian charity working with ex-offenders and the homeless. The private rental sector was out of reach for many, and government provision was horribly inadequate. Both problems have grown massively in the subsequent years. Scraping together every penny they could find, in 2010, the young couple set up a charity, Hope into Action, invested GBP30,000 in a house and bought the first home for the homeless in partnership with their church. This charity has now grown to 51 homes across fifteen towns and cities. Hope into Action has won numerous awards, both secular and Christian (they won the Guardian's Public Service Award in 2017 and an award from the Centre for Social Justice). The vision is simple but devastatingly effective. It provides a vehicle for Christians with money to invest in housing stock, with a modest but guaranteed return. Once funds in a locality are available, and in partnership with a local church, HiA will select a suitable house, which is refurbished as necessary. Together with the local church, the members will then live in the house and provide support and guidance to those who need it. The impact of this charity has been profound. Many of the people who have lived in Hope into Action homes have gone on to find employment, build relationships, and get their lives back on track. The charity has also provided a sense of community and belonging for those who have felt isolated and alone. In addition, Hope into Action has been a powerful voice for the issue of homelessness, raising awareness and advocating for change. Ed and Rachel's vision is to see a world where no one is homeless, and where everyone has access to a safe and secure home. They believe that by providing housing and support, they can help to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness that so many people face. Hope into Action is a shining example of how compassion and action can make a real difference in the lives of those who are most in need.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780281081196