No longer homeless: Accepted… Respected… Restored
We want to bring hope out of despair.
‘Ian’ told us that moving into a clean and tidy environment, where people cared, gave him the confidence to take the risk and look for work. “I felt supported and that I had a safety net to take the steps required to take my life to the next level and not feel like a “second class” citizen anymore”. Unfortunately, being made to feel like a second-class citizen is a reality for homeless people, at The Dwelling Place to change their lives for good.
We are an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered charity number 1164606. We provide a supportive community to those who previously had no home, with the aim of sustainable independent living. Based in Basingstoke, Hampshire the organisation started in 2015. Founder and trustee, Liz Howe, who spent over seven years working at a night shelter, was saddened to see former residents, who had initially found ‘move on’ accommodation, returning to the streets. She became determined to find a way of providing longer term supported housing where people can stay until they are ready for sustainable independent living.
Everyone needs access to secure, decent housing.
Our work
- We provide a sanctuary and a safe place to dwell in acceptance, respect and restoration
- We help our residents to build a future on strong foundations.
- We bring hope out of despair
Our services
- Safe, accommodation in a five bedroom house.
- Support programme designed to build self-esteem, within an atmosphere conducive to sustainable change. ‘Building a future on solid foundations’.
- Access to Psychotherapy
‘Johnny’ had been street-homeless for almost a year before been given the opportunity to enter The Dwelling Place. “I had a few ups and downs whilst there but with the support of the staff and the housemates, I am happy to have moved on. I have nothing but thanks for the gentle love and pushing that enabled me to achieve what one year earlier I would have thought impossible”.
AT THE DWELLING PLACE WE BELIEVE IN,
AND FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF THOSE ENSLAVED BY THEIR PAST.
Our first, five bedroom house has a kitchen and a central lounge/dinner, leading to a spacious, but low maintenance garden. There is a shared bathroom, a separate shower room and one additional toilet, ideally located a short walk from Basingstoke town centre, local supermarkets and on a major bus route.
This is providing a sanctuary, a safe place to dwell in acceptance, respect and restoration, with a support programme designed to build self-esteem, within an atmosphere conducive to sustainable change. ‘Building a future on solid foundations’.
Trustees
- Lorraine Anstey
- David Hubbard
- Andy Taylor
- Andy Mahers
- Kathleen Oliver
Management Team
Partners
The Dwelling Place is supported by Basingstoke Community Churches
Capital finance has been provided by Green Pastures
We work closely with the local authority and other agencies in and around the Basingstoke area