We believe that people are greater than the issues by which society often defines them - homeless, drug addict, alcoholic, suffering mental illness. We feel that we can make a difference by believing in people when they do not believe in themselves.
The 700 Club have provided more than 350,000 bed-nights to those who would otherwise be forced to sleep rough, to sleep on a friend's floor, or to occupy some other kind of inappropriate accommodation.
The 700 Club offers a range of services to those who are homeless or inappropriately housed to help them as individuals overcome the barriers to living independently and to settle in a home of their choosing.
The 700 Club made a successful bid for funding from the County Durham & Darlington Community Safety Fund. The fund, administered by the County Durham Foundation, supports projects and initiatives across County Durham & Darlington that help keep communities safe and inspire public confidence.
Darlington Building Society in partnership with the County Durham and Darlington Community Foundation are helping to support a Mental Health Worker as part of the 700 Club Staff Team.
Northstar staff and tenants have given their support to our work with those who are begging in Darlington. Following a presentation about the work that we do at the Middlesbrough Football Stadium, there was a collective decision to give £840.42 from a £3000 community pot to the 700 Club.
Pupils at Hummersknott Academy assembled to hand over a cheque for £1040 to the 700 Club in support of work in Darlington. The money was the product of fund-raising during the 18/19 academic year and will be used to provide emergency beds at the Lodge and to widen the opportunities of those who are living in hostel accommodation. Thank you Hummersknott.
In September a group of 700 Club service users and 700 Club staff travelled to Edinburgh. A trip to the zoo, a tour bus of the city and the Camera Obscura provided a full and enjoyable day.
The Shadow Secretary for Housing, John Healey MP and the MP for Darlington, Jenny Chapman, visited the 700 Club in September, met staff and heard about the excellent Trailblazer Project, an initiative to prevent homelessness.
The Virgin Money Foundation provided funding in support of Bridge2Home. That funding has now come to an end and we are seeking continuity funding. It costs about £2000 a month to provide this valuable service - if you can help, please get in touch.