Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
700Club
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Contact us Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Home
  • About us
    • Who are we?
    • Our History
    • Our Achievements
    • Our Team
    • Our Funders
    • Our Partners
    • Client stories
    • Governance
  • Services
    • Hostels
    • The Lodge
    • Floating Support
    • Bond Scheme
    • Healthy Lifestyle
    • Early Intervention Outreach Project
    • Housing First Support
    • Street Outreach Project
    • Move-on Accommodation
  • Get help
    • What to expect?
    • Accommodation
    • Drug or alcohol dependent?
    • Concerned about a Young Person?
    • Concerned about a Rough Sleeper?
    • Worried about someone Begging?
    • Emergency Food
    • Places to get help
  • Jobs
  • Help us
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Become a Pledgeholder
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Donate in memory
    • Provide Feedback
  • News and Events
    • News
    • Events
  • Contact us
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)

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 and vulnerable of the town ever since. Over more than two decades its work has diversified, as this website makes clear, but it has always remained true to the belief that gave it birth, the belief that by collective action real change can occur in the lives the most vulnerable.

Published: 24th December, 2019

Author: John Elliston

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Early Intervention Support Worker

    The role of the Outreach Support Worker is to respond to Vulnerability Alerts, offering immediate, brief, and focussed support, working with partner agencies, engaging proactively in order to overcome the immediate issues that have precipitated the alert.

  • Floating Support Outreach Worker

    To work with a caseload of individuals, working and supporting individuals in their own homes. The role involves working within a team but you will be essentially lone working. The aim is to support individuals to stabilise their situation, assisting them to maintain their tenancy and address substance misuse issues.

  • W/E Housing Management Worker (Hostel) 14 Hours

    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. Hours: 15.30 – 22.30, Saturday & Sunday

  • Night Worker (Hostel)

    This role involves ensuring the wellbeing of hostel residents, carrying out health and safety checks, and maintaining the security of the building over night.

Most read

  • Who are we?

  • Bridge2Home

    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.

  • The Lodge

    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 Gateway assessment. You can also self-refer.

  • Supported Accommodation

    Supported Accommodation

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

  • 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.

  • Our History

  • Early Intervention Outreach Project

    The 700 Club Early Intervention Project is a jointly funded partnership between Darlington Borough Council and Durham Police. It is based on the belief that big and costly problems can be prevented if they are addressed when they are still small.

  • Sponsor a room

    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.

  • Volunteer for us

    We have opportunities for volunteering across all our projects, whether your skills are with people, with administration, or whether you have some other skill you would like to share ... music, drama, art, sport, gardening, the list is endless.

  • W/E Housing Management Worker (Hostel) 16 Hours

    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. Hours: 0800 – 1600, Saturday & Sunday.

Where the need is greatest

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

Donate Fundraise

Published: 17th March, 2014

Updated: 19th December, 2019

Author:

Related topics:
  • Current appeals
  • Donate
Help those who beg

Help those who beg

Loose change feeds problems, it is not a solution. Help us bring support to those who beg. People beg for different reasons, but for all it is symptomatic of need. Help us to meet the person's needs so that they are not diminished by the need to beg. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 12th December, 2018

Updated: 3rd August, 2020

Author: John Elliston

Related topics:
  • Current appeals
  • Donate
Twenty Five Years

Twenty Five Years

In 2021 the 700 Club celebrates its Silver Jubilee. From the hastily erected mock doorway on High Row in Darlington, and the generous 700 who gave £50 towards opening a first hostel, the organisation has gone on to deliver nearly 400,000 bed-nights. What would a donation from you look like in 25 years? Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 3rd August, 2020

Updated: 15th October, 2020

Author: John Elliston

Related topics:
  • Current appeals
Church View Apartments Open

Church View Apartments Open

After months in development, on 9th December, the first person to take up residence entered Church View Apartments. It was a significant moment for the 700 Club and for the people Darlington. Until now, the town has lacked supported move-on accommodation, but with the launch of this initiative 32 flats will be available where residents can cultivate the skills and confidence needed for independence. Read more

Published: 15th December, 2020

Updated: 16th December, 2020

Author: John Elliston

Related topics:
  • News

Latest tweet

  • We are actively recruiting for both new and existing projects. If you are seeking employment in a challenging envir… https://t.co/mqtFpbCW4l

    9thFebruary, 2021 @700ClubHomeless
  • 2021 Silver Jubilee Year for the 700 Club. We are looking forward to a big celebration when the nightmare of corona… https://t.co/mBMtsjZuEi

    1stJanuary, 2021 @700ClubHomeless
  • In these difficult days it is hard to hold on to dreams. Our dream is to end homelessness. Help us to keep this dre… https://t.co/nIY5pu33Gg

    25thDecember, 2020 @700ClubHomeless

Sign up for more information

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Useful links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions

Contact us

700 Club Head Office
Roadway House,
Beaumont Street West,
Darlington DL1 5SX

Phone: 01325 366397

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

The 700 Club is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 3191544 and registered as a Charity number 1056192. It is a Registered Social Landlord 4811

COVID-19 is very challenging to our charity. Check how we are dealing with it here