HOPE Worldwide UK
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in (Matthew 25:35).
The love God has for the poor and needy, shown through the actions of Jesus Christ on earth is deeply inspiring. It is also the foundation of our congregation and as his disciples, we are committed to doing all we can to follow in his footsteps.
HOPE Worldwide is built on the vision of “Bringing Hope and Changing Lives”, both at home, through Home Worldwide UK, and overseas, with projects in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The International Churches of Christ has been affiliated with HOPE Worldwide UK, since its formation in 1991, as part of our commitment to scripture which calls us to share with the Lord’s people who are in need (Romans 12:13) and meet the physical needs of the hungry, thirsty, lonely, naked and incarcerated (Matthew 25:35-40).
HOPE Worldwide UK strive to do just that through their Two Step programme that assists homeless people in finding private rented accommodation on a short and long-term basis, and the One Day at a Time (ODAAT) initiative which supports men across London in their battle with addiction.
These two programmes were initially started by members of the International Churches of Christ right here in London during the 1980s, to provide assistance to those living on the streets, inspired by the ‘LOVE offerings’ taken by members to help the poor across the globe in Asia, Africa, and South America during the 1980s.
Many of the congregation here at London Church of Christ have been volunteers for HOPE Worldwide UK in the past, fundraising for their local London communities and helping provide invaluable services to those in need. Some have even travelled overseas to assist with international development work in Cambodia, amongst other locations.
We are also proud to support the causes of HOPE financially, including the fantastic work being done at the HOPE foundation school in Bhuj, India.
HOPE Worldwide UK are a faith based charity and we are delighted to be able to support and collaborate with them to make a difference in the lives of as many people in possible, inspired by the love shown and example set by Jesus Christ.
The Two Step programme
In 1993, the Two step programme was launched in response to the crisis of homelessness on the streets of London. Since then, the scheme has helped over 7,500 people to find housing in the capital.
Each year, HOPE Worldwide UK help 150 people to find suitable housing, giving them the platform they need to get back on their feet. Where the Two Step programme differs from shelters and temporary accommodation is that it provides long-term assistance, first getting people off the streets and then finding them somewhere to stay on a long-term basis.
As well as helping as many people as they can to get off the streets, HOPE also provide housing advice to many more, bringing hope through God into their lives and helping them escape from a seemingly helpless situation.
As Jesus once spoke to his disciples, we should all do for others what we would wish them to do for us (Luke 6:31). Each and every person that is supported or advised through Two Step is treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve.
To make Two Step a success, HOPE work in close collaboration with shelters, day centres, councils, and a number of other local London charities to ensure they can provide the best advice or referrals possible.
Homelessness is a curse upon society and one which HOPE are determined to break helping those who feel invisible be seen. To help in their crusade, donate to the cause today or learn more about how to help those on the streets in your local community.
We must all endeavour to encourage each other and build each other up (Thessalonians 5:11) and one of the best ways to do so is to get to know individuals in your area who might need support. HOPE recommend the ALERT method for having a chat with those on the street, an approach that is certainly worth a try.
HOPE Worldwide UK: ALERT method
Ask: Get on their level, introduce yourself and ask if anyone is helping them. Many people on the streets are using day centres and getting some kind of support; others might need advice about how to get help.
Listen: Many people are happy to share their story of what happened and what they are trying to do about it.
Empathise: Empathy and compassion are very powerful. Many people become homeless because of things beyond their control. Even if you can’t help directly, people will appreciate that you took the time to listen and empathise.
Respond: Depending on what they share, you might be able to do something. Share what you can do (see below) and ask the person if they would like you to help.
Take Action: You could begin by asking the person if they would like something in particular to eat or drink, or what would help them keep warm or cool depending on the weather.
One Day At A Time (ODAAT)
One Day At A Time (ODAAT) is a residential recovery programme for ex-drug and alcohol misusers, based on abstinence, that has been helping men in London to free themselves from substance misuse and build healthy relationships.
As a small programme with just 13 spaces available to residents, ODAAT stands out from other rehabilitation programmes for its community feel, with many ex-clients saying that treatment felt more like being a part of a family than being in an institution.
Just some of the services that are provided by HOPE in their recovery houses to ex-substance misusers include one on one counselling, psychotherapy, relapse prevention, anger management, life-skills coaching, social outings, and yoga.
The sense of family built between clients undertaking treatment in ODAAT houses is a very special thing and fundamental to the success of the programme. It is a big part of the reason that ODAAT has a success rate far higher than average when it comes to national treatment completion (66% of those who took part in ODAAT between April 2019 and March 2021 graduated, compared to the national average of 50% completion).
The ODAAT programme is split into three key stages, each lasting 3 months, following which there is a graduation celebration for all participants.
HOPE runs recovery houses for those in each of these three stages with bespoke training programmes and employment advice services designed for individuals at that specific stage.
By stage three, participants will be living independently, either in a supported property or in their own property and invited to join the Alumni programme where they can support those in Stage two.
ODAAT has such a great track record of success due to the emphasis that is put on empowerment and peer support. By involving ex-residents and fellow existing residents in the treatment programme, HOPE create a sense of family and teamwork that are proven to be the fundamental building blocks of abstinence.
The combination of this togetherness and meeting others that prove that the system can be a success is incredibly powerful and there are many incredible success stories to have come from the ODAAT programme, some of which can be found here.
If you have a background in helping substance misusers, or are a trainee BACP counsellor, get in touch with HOPE today.
If you or someone you know is currently suffering from substance misuse and are looking for support, visit the HOPE website for more information on their services and where you can find the support that you need.
ODAAT take referrals from local authorities, probation officers and a variety of other local organisations as well as accepting self and family referrals.
The impact made by HOPE Worldwide UK
Since forming in the 1980s in response to the command of God to love each other as he loves us (John 15:12) HOPE have grown larger than could ever have been imagined.
From local fundraising on the streets by International Churches of Christ congregation members all those years ago, HOPE Worldwide UK now funds, supports, and advises projects all over the world.
However, their impact remains as great as it ever was right here in London, with the Two Step scheme helping over 7,000 people find accommodation since 1993, and the ODAAT programme providing the support and recovery services for hundreds of men in the city suffering from addiction.
We are incredibly proud that we have been able to support HOPE in helping those in need turn their lives around by channelling the word of God and being inspired by the actions of Jesus, but more needs to be done.
HOPE are regularly starting new initiatives and projects and there is always more that we and you can do to help. Most recently, HOPE has set up a Saturday Kids Club in one of the most deprived areas of London, giving young people a safe place to come off the streets. As a Church with congregations across the city, we feel a deep desire and obligation to assist with community projects such as these to help build a better world in God’s image.
No matter if you want to get involved with our church itself, we would be delighted to see you if you do, or simply wish to contribute to the incredible work being done by our friends at HOPE, we can’t wait to hear from you.
How can you help?
God is just and will reward those who show love to Him and his People (Hebrews 6:10). HOPE Worldwide UK bring God’s love to the streets of London on a daily basis, and you can help.
At London Church of Christ, we continue to support HOPE financially and in person, following in the steps of our founders over 4o years ago. We hold weekly basket collections at our Sunday services on behalf of HOPE, alongside regular standing orders helping to fund their good work. We also partake in the annual HOPE day of service which takes place in July each year with volunteers assisting at care homes and health clinics, assisting with garden rescue projects and building accessibility wheelchair access, serving in soup kitchens, and much more besides.
We would love to see you get involved with the next day of service this July, but HOPE need our year round support and are always looking for new volunteers if you fancy getting involved.
There are also a number of opportunities available for overseas volunteering, in the HOPE Volunteer Corps (HVC). These two-week programmes are faith based and open to people of any age.
They are community focused and involve leadership training for those involved. Previous HVC projects have included hosting family workshops in Zambia, teaching in Nepal, promoting health and wellness in Papua New Guinea, amongst many more. If you are looking for a way to put the justice and love taught in the Bible into action, making a real difference to the lives of those across the world and providing them with the opportunity to do the same for others there are few more effective ways to do so than by getting involved with the HOPE volunteer corps.
If you have education experience, you might also wish to get involved with the Service Corps programme where you will be designated to a location across the globe where your skills and talents are best matched.
Between the ages of 18 and 24 and a full time student looking to make a difference? The Global Service Internship is open to you, perfect for those who have already had experience on the Volunteer Corp and are looking to take the leadership training to the next level.
Donate
There are many different ways to get involved with our causes here at London Church of Christ, but none is more worthwhile that providing financial support to HOPE International.
The truth is that without the financial support of institutions and individuals HOPE simply couldn’t do what they do and people in need across London and further afield would be in a much worse situation than they are today.
There is so much more to be done, and you can play a part in changing the world for the better by donating anything that you can spare to the cause today.
Each and every penny will do directly towards one of HOPE’s fantastic projects or recovery services, making a very real difference in the city and world that we call home.