Building hope

Finding new ways of funding and building homelessness accommodation 

Decorative image illustrating 'Building hope'

The ‘front door’ difference 

Through Building Hope, we’re working with fellow charities and other partners to directly increase the amount of accommodation for people who have experienced homelessness.

Our first build was Hopestead Place, a groundbreaking project in Ipswich. This consists of two modular homes, which provide a temporary but stable environment for people transitioning out of homelessness. The homes each have a kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, and outdoor space, giving residents a dignified place to rebuild their lives. 

It makes a huge difference to have this space. It’s just for the short term, but it’s a place I can call home.

Hopestead Place resident

A foundation for change

Hopestead Place shows how providing secure, well-designed spaces can help people regain their independence and confidence. Lucy Parish, Hopestead’s Director of Operations, sums it up: "It’s not just about providing shelter – it’s about offering a fresh start and a foundation for people to move forward and achieve their goals"​.

Just months after it opened, we were thrilled when Hopestead Place was named winner of a Housing Digital Award for the use of emerging technology in housebuilding. But we’re not stopping there. We want to replicate its success with other innovative projects. Through Building Hope, Hopestead is redefining how homelessness is addressed - building homes, lives, and brighter futures. 

Image of shelters
Person putting items in fridge

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MODULAR HOMES BUILT

Person on front porch smiling
Mailboxes on fence

A team effort 

Hopestead funded and furnished the homes, which were built by Cambridgeshire-based New Meaning Foundation. They are owned and operated by Emmaus Suffolk, which supports people experiencing homelessness and isolation. It’s amazing to see the difference these three charities have made by working together! Human rights campaigner Sir Terry Waite officially opened Hopestead Place on World Homelessness Day 2023. 

The first tenant stayed for six months, and then she was promoted at work. With an increased salary she was able to start 
renting privately, and now she’s setting up 
her own business. Without having that stability and dignity of her own front door, she may not have been able to take those steps.

Claire Staddon, CEO of Emmaus Suffolk 

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