Cath

I’m a widow and single mum. When my husband died, I stopped work to care for our son.

I also found myself with new resources I’d inherited – and choices to make about how to use them.

As my son neared the end of primary school, I got a part-time admin job with a local mental health charity’s housing project.

It was there that I heard about a conference at the King’s Centre on housing needs in our city and different churches’ responses.

I’d already been thinking about how I could use a flat I’d bought. I met someone from ACT and took their contact details – but didn’t progress it further at that stage. It was clear that conditions on my lease would make it hard to rent the property to anyone on benefits.

Then a few interesting things happened.

The freehold on the flat came up for sale. I realised it would give me lots more freedom in how I used the property. So I spoke to the owner of the flat downstairs from mine about buying it. Together, we went through the process of purchasing the freehold.

For some reason, I’d assumed he wouldn’t be interested in selling the property. But at the end of the negotiation, I asked if he’d like to sell – and he said he’d love to!

After making him an offer I ended up owning both flats and the freehold.

I’d seen the potential when I bought the first flat but now I could see a way to rent both properties through ACT. God’s hand was so evident in it all.

Right from the beginning it was lovely to deal with Dave and Jemma [from ACT]. They were quick to respond, and also to make sure I felt no pressure. We were able to pray together and trust the decision to the Lord.

It’s reassuring to know ACT know what they’re doing. Life gets messy sometimes, but they deal quickly with any issues that arise. They have their eyes open, and are drawing on God’s strength and wisdom.

It’s been exciting to see how God has used the two flats. The holistic approach ACT take – providing housing plus practical, emotional and spiritual support – can be really life-changing.

I’ve also loved seeing how different churches and charities in the city work together in partnership.

Every now and then a tenant passes through my church and I see that they’re doing well.

It’s a particular thrill that my property was home for Mousa, ACT’s Housing Manager, at a point in his journey.

I’d encourage anyone thinking about making a property available in this way to do it.

I’d even be tempted to ask, ‘Why wouldn’t you?’

Send us an email at hello@actoxford.com if you'd like to explore making a property available – we'd love to hear from you.