The new head of operations at Hopestead aims to shine a light on the issue of homelessness.
Lucy Parish has taken on a key role at the charity after six years at the helm of another Norwich-based charity, The Feed.
Lucy, 45 and from Hethersett, said Hopestead’s aim of ending homelessness in the east of England was a tough, but achievable, goal.
She said: “At Hopestead, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home. We can only end homelessness by working in partnership with others who have the same goal. It’s a big challenge, but one we’re absolutely committed to achieving.”
Lucy said she wanted to challenge the perception that only people “sleeping rough on the street” were homeless.
She said: “There are different types of homelessness among different demographics, and a lot of it is hidden.
“We know, for example, that there are a lot of women who are sofa surfing – they don’t have a secure home. There are also a lot of people in temporary accommodation, who are living in hotels or hostels, but these aren’t places they can call home.”
As part of the housing provider Flagship Group, Hopestead has programmes including Hope at Home, which provides essential items to those moving from homelessness into a Flagship home. Another campaign, Hope Funds, sees grants of up to £15,000 given to charities and other organisations that are addressing homelessness in different ways.
Lucy said that while these campaigns had a huge impact, making homelessness history would also require systematic change.
She said: “I’m really excited about our Voice of Hope project, which we will soon be launching, to campaign for change.
“Ending homelessness is not just down to what charities and organisations can do. Policies and processes need to change in order to achieve our goal. We need a comprehensive, long-term plan to address the root causes of homelessness, and create sustainable solutions.”
*To watch a video introduction of Lucy, click here or see below: