Hopestead launches Christmas appeal to turn empty houses into homes
(L-R) Hopestead’s Stacy Bradley, Kelsey Lund, Lucy Parish, and Bee Bishop celebrate the launch of the charity’s Christmas appeal, which seeks to raise £1,000 to help provide furnishings for people moving into permanent homes
A Norwich-based charity is asking people to help make sure families who have faced homelessness can celebrate Christmas properly this year.
Hopestead, which works across the east of England, wants to raise £1,000 to help provide furnishings for people moving into permanent homes. The appeal comes as more than 26,000 people in the region have no home of their own, with referrals increasing daily.
The charity's Hope at Home scheme provides essential furniture and white goods to people who have secured housing but are moving into completely bare properties.
Lucy Parish, Hopestead's director of operations, said: "After months or years without a home, moving into an empty property can feel overwhelming rather than joyful. We're seeing demand go up every week, but our budget can't stretch to help everyone who needs us.
"Having somewhere to live is only part of the battle. Without the basics like a bed, a cooker or even carpets, people struggle to make their house feel like a home. That sense of instability can push them back towards homelessness. This Christmas, we're asking people to help us bridge that gap and give families the foundation they need to thrive."
Donations of £20 will buy a toaster, £25 covers a double duvet and covers, £55 provides a full set of cutlery, plates, and bowls, whilst £100 pays for a microwave, toaster and kettle combined.
The charity lets people choose their own colours and styles, recognising that dignity matters just as much as practicality when rebuilding a life.
One woman helped by Hopestead said: "Without your support, my daughter and I would be living in a house without flooring and furniture, so yes, it definitely changed our life. It helped us start a new life and have a fresh beginning, after leaving the refuge with just our personal things."
Donations can be made at avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/hopesteadxmas, and everything raised will be match-funded by Aviva through its Community Fund. The appeal runs until early January 2026.
Everything raised, which will be match funded by Aviva’s Community Fund, will be used to purchase items such as toasters and other kitchen and household essentials