About Reading Single Homeless Project

"We’re not all heroin addicts or alcoholics," says a woman housed and supported by RSHP. 

In describing her life she says, “right from an early age I remember suffering abuse, first as a child, then from various boyfriends.  I got married at 21 and for six years ended up being physically and mentally abused every day by my husband.  What I’ve learnt is that you shouldn’t criticise people for being homeless before you know the true story.  We’re not all heroin addicts or alcoholics."

A former financial manager, supported by RSHP, reflects on his life, “I decided to set up my own business consultancy in 1989 after years working as a finance manager.  What I didn’t realise then was that within two years my whole life would change dramatically.  It has never been the same again."

For both, RSHP has not only provided secure, affordable accommodation, but also support to help them rebuild their lives and work towards more independent living and increased confidence.  Speaking of her life now, the woman mentioned above says, “RSHP have been like a spine, supporting me every step of the way.  This is the best place I’ve ever lived and it’s my home for now.  I pay the rent and I’m in control of my own destiny."

Having a home and support can help people turn their lives around.  Another of RSHP’s tenants who had been living rough, on and off, for about 20 years says of his life now, “I’ve got more confidence now that I’ve ever had and now I’ve got a flat through RSHP my kids can come and stay for weekends and holidays.  You don’t know what that means to me."

RSHP provides accommodation and support for over 100 people in Reading, but this does not meet the growing need.  Reading is estimated to have around 4,000 homeless people, a figure set to grow.

Our history

RSHP was founded in 1979 and started as a soup kitchen.  Today RSHP runs, owns or manages 13 properties offering affordable accommodation ranging from shared houses to self-contained flats.  In addition RSHP provides support to its own tenants and those of other organisations unable to offer the specialised support available in RSHP.