Hosts Needed for “Supported Lodgings”About 18 months ago east to west identified a great need to provide housing provision for 16 to 17 year olds who were presenting as homeless within the boroughs of Spelthorne, Runnymede and Elmbridge. Most homeless provision does not start till a young person is 18 but the need of young people still remains great. The aim of Supported Lodgings is to bridge the vulnerable season of transition from homelessness to independent living, by placing a young person into a family or individual’s (the host) home for up to a year. This gift of hospitality provides security, stability and confidence in order to cope with the move towards independence. All hosts are trained and supported by east to west’s Supported Lodgings team who also work alongside the young person to bring about positive outcomes in their lives. The end goal is that the young person moves on to supported housing, safe independent living or reconciliation into the family home.Young people that have been through this programme have managed to gain employment, achieve well in college education, improve relationships with their families, learn practical skills like how to use a washing machine and improve their emotional wellbeing. We want to be able to help more young people. To do this we need more hosts. There is no ‘ideal’ host - we have had older people, younger people, single, married, those who have parented, those who have not. You just need to have a spare bedroom and be willing to use your gift of hospitality in this way. If this is something you feel God is calling you to explore further, please get in touch with Sonia Hopkin on 07402-725462 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . She is very happy to have a chat with you and answer all your questions. |