A campaign that has helped hundreds of formerly homeless people in the East of England has won national recognition.

Hope at Home was crowned Homelessness Project of the Year at the UK Housing Awards in Manchester on November 26, beating nine other shortlisted projects.

The initiative, run by Norwich-based charity Hopestead, part of the Flagship Group, provides furniture, flooring, appliances, and other essentials to individuals transitioning into Flagship-owned homes from homelessness.

Judges praised Hope at Home as "the most innovative project of the year", recognising the charity's efforts to ensure that formerly homeless individuals do not move into empty properties.

The award for Homelessness Project of the Year, won by Hopestead (part of Flagship Group) for its campaign, Hope at Home The award for Homelessness Project of the Year, won by Hopestead (part of Flagship Group) for its campaign, Hope at Home (Image: Hopestead)

They said: “Hopestead has identified a gap in the provision that too many homeless people are being dropped into empty properties.

"They worked out that when you fully furnish a home, people want to stay there.

"It’s a vote of confidence in its residents, a recognition that they deserve to be trusted with brand new goods.”

Marie-Claire Delbrouque, chief executive officer at Hopestead, said: “Hope at Home embodies our belief that everyone deserves a place to call home—not just a roof over their head, but a space where they can thrive and feel safe and settled.

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“In the last year, Hope at Home supported 418 people, including 154 children, by providing essentials like furniture, flooring, and appliances.

“This isn’t just about providing items—it’s about making sure that the people we support are treated with dignity and given agency and choice to set up a home that they can be proud of."

David Armstrong, chief operating officer at Flagship Group, added: "Congratulations to everyone at Hopestead on winning the award for Homelessness project of the year at the UK Housing Awards.

"Campaigns like Hope at Home are breaking the cycle of homelessness, providing the stability new tenants need to stay in their Flagship homes."