LHF is proud to support HOPE worldwide in the work they do in the Two Step programme. Recently they have published some videos of people talking about how they benefited from the Two Step programme. We asked them to tell us a bit more about what they do, and the thinking behind the model they use.
At Two Step we typically help around 260 people experiencing homelessness to find suitable accommodation every year. We work in partnership with night shelters, day centres, councils and other charities that refer people to us.
But helping someone who is homeless is a very individual thing; it is often more complex than just finding them find somewhere to live. We find the model from Jon Kuhrt helpful when trying to support someone. Jon identifies three types of poverty.
- Resources – cannot afford accommodation, food and other essentials.
- Relationships – Cities can be very lonely places if you don’t have friends and family who are able help you and encourage you.
- Identity – if you feel ignored or have had a difficult past it can affect your sense of self.
The Two Step programme seeks to help provide the support to address all these forms of poverty so that we can house people and help them move forward in life.
Our work with Curtis is a good example.
Curtis lost his job and accommodation after becoming depressed and going to hospital. He ended up homeless – surviving on the streets of London. His life began to turn around after meeting someone who listened to him and referred him to the Two Step programme.
Two Step helped Curtis find somewhere to live after helping him to access a night shelter. He was then able to continue attending a church in west London which provided the community to support his recovery from homelessness. He also started volunteering with HOPE Worldwide and attended theatre workshops with an employment partner.
Curtis has battled through a lot and life is still a struggle – however he has persevered through the challenges and recently performed a leading role in a public arts performance of ‘As you like it’ in collaboration with the National Theatre. This really boosted his confidence. He is now actively seeking work, attending interviews and looking forward to getting back into employment.
You can hear Curtis tell his story here https://www.twostep.org.uk/curtis-story.
For more information about HOPE worldwide go to https://www.twostep.org.uk/.
