Our History

What's in a name?

700 people do it together

In December 1994, a "bricks and mortar" sub-group of Darlington Housing Action Group made a public appeal for seven hundred people willing to donate £50.00 towards a new initiative for the homeless. It was calculated that this would raise enough money to purchase a small terraced house, then selling for around £35,000, which could be converted to house four or five homeless people.

To publicise the initiative, a mock doorway was placed on High Row in Darlington and anyone who walked through was asked to commit £50. Tony Blair (MP for Sedgefield), Alan Milburn (MP for Darlington) and the Leader of the Council, John Williams, walked through, along with members of the public and the project grew. In fact, more money was raised than the £35,000 target, and this gave the organisation, the 700 Club (named from the initial proposal of seven hundred donations), the opportunity to turn the dream into reality. A partnership between Home Group, Darlington Borough Council and the 700 Club enabled the organisation to acquire 2 large adjoining properties on Grange Road in Darlington. After much renovation, together they became Hope House, and in 1997 the 700 Club began to deliver services to the people of Darlington. It has been delivering services to the homeless ever since.

If you want to know more about the history of the 700 Club, there will be a book published later in 2016 to mark the first twenty years. Contact us for your copy.

Latest

W/E Housing Management Worker (Hostel)

To perform housing management duties to ensure the safety and security of the building and the well-being of clients residing in Hostel accommodation in accordance with 700 Club procedures and policies. Salary - £5998.72 a year (14 hrs)
Retiring Mayor Presents Cheque

Councillors Brian and Doris Jones hosted a presentation event at Middleton Hall at which each of the charities Brian nominated during his Mayoral term received a substantial cheque.
Lord Lieutenant Visit

Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Alasdair MacConachie visited the 700 Club to see how the work we do makes a difference to the community in Darlington. She spent time at the Head Office with John Elliston CEO and Yvonne Beattie the Services Manager before visiting Hope House, meeting staff, and seeing some of the facilities that the organisation provides.
Police Commissioner Supports 700 Club

The 700 Club made a successful bid for funding from the County Durham & Darlington Community Safety Fund. The fund supports projects and initiatives across County Durham & Darlington that help keep communities safe and inspire public confidence.

Who are we?
Bridge2Home

Bridge2Home opens the door to the privately rented sector for those who are financially excluded from this sector because they cannot afford the bond.
Supported Accommodation

The 700 Club provides 29 units of supported accommodation across its two hostels in Darlington. Clients stay for up to a year as the progress towards independence.
The Lodge

The Lodge offers a temporary 'home' for people who are in housing crisis. If you are already rough sleeping, or in danger of doing so, call us for advice or call in at the Council's Housing Department for a Key Point of Access assessment. You can also self-refer to the Lodge.
Work for us

Roles become vacant from time to time. Why not apply to become part of our team? The 700 Club actively promotes equality of opportunity and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates. We select all candidates based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.
Our History
W/E Housing Management Worker (Hostel)

To perform housing management duties to ensure the safety and security of the building and the well-being of clients residing in Hostel accommodation in accordance with 700 Club procedures and policies. Salary - £5998.72 a year (14 hrs)
Bank Staff

700 Club require Bank Workers across the organisation, paid on a shift by shift basis. If you feel this would be something you could do, please make contact. Full training provided.
Emergency Food

Out of hours food is held by the 700 Club at its hostel St. George's Hall in Elmfield Street. The store is available for access on all evenings and during the weekend. Agencies may refer people with whom they may have some involvement, but clients can call at St. George's Hall without referral.
Early Intervention Outreach Project

The 700 Club Early Intervention Project is a partnership with Darlington Borough Council and is part of the Governments Trailblazer Initiative aimed at the prevention of homelessness.

Where the need is greatest

Our work goes on day after day, but it's only through the generous donations of our supporters that this remains possible. With your help we can bring an end to the suffering that homelessness causes. Read more

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Sponsor a room

We believe that no one should be left with no alternative but to sleep on the streets or on a friends sofa. To allow it diminishes not only those forced to do so but also those who know about it, but refuse to act. Together we can make a difference. Read more

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