Background

The project arose out of work done by Welcome Churches Northampton, an ecumenical group set up to support refugees and asylum seekers arriving in the town and housed in hotels. Through a weekly drop-in centre, we got to know people in the process of seeking and being granted the Right to Remain and became aware of the range of issues they face once they have been granted the Right to Remain and are evicted/discharged from the hotels. This was a particular challenge to single women who would not meet local council criteria for emergency accommodation and could end up without a room/home or income due to a delay in payment of Universal Credit. We could see their resilience in leaving their home country to escape oppression and violence, but also their vulnerability and potential isolation in dealing with traumatic experiences whilst making sense of living in a foreign country with sometimes limited English language skills. 

Through the work done via Welcome Churches Northampton, three ladies came together with the same heart, passion and vision to explore providing support and accommodation to those who faced homelessness..

Hope into Action (HiA) operates franchises designed to empower those at risk of homelessness. It has a tried and tested model, which provides short-term accommodation with an empowerment worker and a Friendship and Support group from a local church. 

Vision & Mission

‘… under His wings will you find refuge…’ Psalm 91:4

Wings of Hope Northampton envisions a place where those who have been displaced and are seeking safety, are loved, protected and empowered to live more independent and fruitful lives free from harm. 

Wings of Hope Northampton works with those who have been granted refugee status. We aim to provide a service that helps meet the practical, emotional and spiritual needs of refugees.  We will do this by:

Welcoming – providing a safe place of accommodation, primarily for single people who have been granted refugee status. 

Empowering – we will help them access skills to aid education, employment and independent living.  

Connecting – through loving friendship and support provided by the local Christian church, we will seek to establish positive relationships that help refugees feel connected, loved and a sense of belonging.