Hopestead supports £220K modular home project

Hopestead is delighted to share its plans to fund the build and installation of two new modular homes, which will be donated to our partner, Emmaus Suffolk, to serve as vital intermediate accommodation for its community members.

Hopestead's commitment to fund the £220k project reaffirms both its beneficial partnership with Emmaus Suffolk, and unwavering commitment to ending homelessness in the East of England. The modular homes will be constructed by New Meaning Foundation (NMF), a Cambridge-based charity tackling homelessness with remarkable multinational modular housing projects.

By working with NMF, the funding provided by Hopestead not only goes towards the creation of much needed accommodation in Suffolk, but the construction process itself will deliver training and employment opportunities for up to twenty people in vulnerable situations – including those from a background of homelessness.

John Evans, CEO of NMF said: "New Meaning Foundation staff and learners come from backgrounds of hardship, often including homelessness.

As such, we are delighted and inspired to be working with Hopestead and Emmaus Suffolk on a shared and ambitious project. It is hugely motivating and rewarding to be working with like-minded colleagues who simply 'get things done'"

Against the backdrop of considerable economic challenges and soaring prices, providing access to housing and employability training has never been more important. For the 1,833 individuals that experienced homelessness in Suffolk last year, the demand for housing solutions continues to increase.

Claire Staddon, CEO of Emmaus Suffolk said: "It is liberating working with such a forward thinking and progressive partner. From the first conversation, with the whole Hopestead Board visiting to really understand what we do, it's shown what a radical process this has been.

Their commitment and drive to innovate and deliver ideas that are so progressive is a real joy to be part of. The East of England is enriched by their activities and Emmaus Suffolk is proud to be able to deliver two self-contained housing units to those that most need it in the area. Thank you Hopestead."

Marie-Claire Delbrouque, CEO of Hopestead said: "The conventional approaches to tackling homelessness aren't working. This is why we're carrying out lifechanging projects with innovative, forward-thinking partners – who, like us, are determined to provide creative solutions to end homelessness."

This project, alongside our partnerships with Emmaus Suffolk and New Meaning Foundation, is an excellent example of hope in action. And by taking a stepping-stone approach, we can offer a phased return to living independently, which helps address the real challenge of reoccurring homelessness.