What does our local MP think of Restore?
October has been a significant milestone in the history of Restore, marking fifteen years since Restore came into existence. During that time we’ve housed over 400 people, providing homes, hope and community to every individual who has passed through our doors. Our celebration service to mark this milestone was a wonderful occasion, and we’re grateful to everyone who gave up their Saturday afternoon to join us at Saint Paul’s Church, to give thanks for the way God has blessed and protected the charity over the last fifteen years.
Although local MP Rachael Maskell was sadly unable to join us in person on the day, she has sent through a copy of her planned remarks, with permission to share them here. Here is what our local Member of Parliament values about the contribution the work of Restore makes to our community:
It is important to celebrate organisations which have such incredible impact on our city, of which Restore most certainly does. When the twists and turns of life leave us without the security, the home, the people, the support we need to navigate ourselves through this complex and often challenging world.
Having recently visited the hub, I heard for myself the difference Restore is making, the staff and volunteers and donors, are making in providing a base on which lives can be built, shelter and security, skills and friendships. Brought with a basis of not just restoring accommodation, but restoring people’s place in community, with purpose and dignity.
But above this, the restoration of the people themselves. Homelessness breaks people, and when people are broken they can end up on the streets. Yet we all need someone, somewhere to be willing to pick up the pieces and restore us when it feels there is no hope. I was once reminded of the Japanese art of kintsugi – when ceramics, like a plate or bowl, are broken into pieces – no longer looking beautiful, no longer of use, no longer functioning, and for most it would come to its end, be discarded and forgotten. Yet through the careful nurture in the artists hands, they pour gold into the cracks, they gradually rebuild the pot, and it looks stunning, it can be used again back to its original function and it starts a new journey as a prized piece of art. More beautiful than it was previously. You can see that it has had a journey: the cracks are there, but instead of it being broken, it is complete again. This art-form is the story of Restore. Never missing the opportunity to see the potential beauty and purpose in everyone who comes through the doors, never missing a moment to pick up the pieces and to start again, never sweeping a situation away, but recognising the potential. Even if someone breaks again, it is a reason to place more gold in the cracks and to ensure that this time they are stronger than the last.
Deeper still, Restore does not just look at the practical, the aesthetics, the provision of a home, and skills to live with others and then to live by yourself, but to come alive. It is from its deep Christian roots that Restore believes in complete restoration. Knowing how we all wander from the path intended for us, but beckoned back along the way. Knowing that it is our stories that make us who we are, stronger and better, and when things have gone wrong, that these are then part of our restoration story. It is why the ultimate restoration that Christ would come, like that gold in the kintsugi pots to make us whole again with purpose for our place in the world. Total, eternal restoration.
I want to thank all the staff for investing so much for such great purpose. For ensuring that York does not see homelessness as a linear activity when people are given a home and left to press ahead, but instead, once on that restoration journey, people have a family, there to support when needed, to help make friendships and connections, to sort out the stresses and challenges, and to just do life with. Family that does not judge but guides and family that gets us through.
It is Restore which brings such success to and hope in ending the homeless journey in the city, and while the homelessness strategy is taking a new turn, recognising the value of housing first, it will always have a role, as the roof over your head is so important in whatever form it takes, but it is the connections and relationships which determine if you don’t return to the streets but continue to press forward. As we build more homes, social housing, it is my hope that we can address the reasons why people are left without somewhere to live, as we rebuild services that people will receive help when they need it, and homelessness will be less prevalent. It was the issue that first woke me up about the importance of politics in the 1980s. But as we address the practical needs of people in our city today, we know that people will always need others at the low points, will always need someone to believe in them, and someone who can walk alongside them, until they have the strength to take the next steps themselves. For this I am so grateful and indebted to the work of everyone at Restore and the powerful example you have set, of service and dedication to all who have benefitted from the dedicated care you bring.
From humble beginnings, Restore has grown to be what it is today: twelve properties, over 40 residents at a time and another fifteen former residents being supported in the community, as they establish themselves in independent tenancies. We now employ fifteen members of staff and run four community hubs each week, along with two peer-support groups, which are run by former residents who volunteer their time. It doesn’t end there, either: the work of Restore is growing, as need for supported housing continues to grow. We’re currently looking to recruit two more full-time housing support workers (see our careers page if you are interested!) and would like to take on two more properties in the next few months. If you would be interested in becoming a landlord with Restore, and want to learn more, you can find out how this works on our Landlords FAQ page.
In short: Restore has been blessed abundantly. The work we do is vital to the efforts to see an end to homelessness in our city. It’s not many organisations who are working specifically to make themselves surplus to requirements, but that’s what we’d love to be! To see a York where everyone has a home and is well supported and equipped to live life to the full is our goal. If we no longer needed to exist, then we’d take that as a win! But whilst there is a need, we will - God willing – continue to be here to meet it. To be part of our story and see an end to homelessness, please join us by becoming a regular supporter.
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