A NEW housing model has been launched across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to help rough sleepers find permanent accommodation.

Faithworks, in partnership with Hope into Action, has launched the franchise for this model across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and is looking to oversee more investment to buy more homes.

Every house offered to rough sleepers is supported by a local church, which provides support and friendship to the tenants such as assistance with paperwork and budgeting skills, eating meals or watching a film together.

Faithworks’ homelessness projects manager David Chidwick said: “The journey off the streets can be quite long and hard.

“There’s more to having a home than just having a room. In these houses we are hoping that our tenants will feel safe, experience friendship, have a purpose and ideally feel at home.”

The keys have been collected for the first home, and the charity hopes to welcome the first tenants shortly after Easter.

Support will be provided by a team from Coastline Vineyard Church.

From the church, Beth Parker said: “We are so excited to be a part of this movement that is changing lives in such a valuable, radical way. The change this will make to those moving in is incredible and such a wonderful thing to be a part of, giving people value and hope.”

Houses are linked with a nearby church for support as part of the five-year leasing scheme.

Churches are supported in turn by an 'empowerment worker' who coordinates the links between the tenants and the church and ensures that things run smoothly.

Faithworks and Hope into Action are looking to purchase another house in Poole within the next few months but are looking for investors to support them.

Anyone who can help can call David at the Faithworks’ office on 01202 429037. Find out more online at bcp.hopeintoaction.org.uk