Mrs Christina Okotie-Otigba

As well as helping with the medical needs of people affected by cancer, Macmillan also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care. Macmillan Cancer Support's goal is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer in the UK.

Homelessness has doubled nationally since 2010.

Often it is hidden – sofa-surfing --- as a guest in another person’s house, overstaying one’s welcome at other times it is simply on the street.

While this charity was operating previously over a period of 3 years in Braintree (as BENS), not only was our hostel always full, but it got between 2 & 3 applications every week that had to be turned down because the place was full.

We reckon that the house could have been occupied 4 or 5 times over, judging by the applications. 

TO DONORS: WHY DOES HOPE HOUSE ESSEX NEED FUNDING

Many homeless charities have the following financial benefits:

A building leased to them at peppercorn rent (i.e. for nothing) or subsidised
Supporting People money: This is money coming from Essex County Council after its introduction in 2003. It often amounts to over £100,000 each year
Enhanced Housing Benefit agreed by the local Council: This can be considerably more than the normal Housing Benefit. This enables charities to cover their rental or mortgage costs.

HOPE HOUSE ESSEX has none of these huge financial benefits.

It also has recently allocated most of its funds into the deposit to buy a house with a mortgage, and is now low on funds.

Being limited in funds it can employ less staff that we would like.

We need money to maintain our existing services and to expand our professional support services and to gain other properties to help more homeless people.