Our goal is to help our guests help themselves
Our mission is to offer a home and friendship, with appropriate support to vulnerable and excluded people who either have been, or are at risk of, sleeping rough and homelessness.
By donating just £1 a week will help change the lives and those who are in need.
We work with the full range of community services to achieve transformation in the lives of people suffering the effects of homelessness and exclusion. Our goal is to help our guests help themselves. In a structured and safe environment, we support and guide as appropriate with a view to them leading a more independent life whilst remaining healthily reliant on local support resources and the church community.
We provide support within a safe, family-style home, where people feel valued and develop relationships of trust with the staff and the residents.
We help people to address life-controlling issues such as addictions, mental health issues and other problems, working closely with other professional and voluntary agencies, providing tailored individual support, and friendship.
We equip people for sustainable living on a practical level, teaching the necessary life skills and establishing friendships and support networks in the community.
Ryan became Service Manager of Homes of Hope in August 2024. An ordained leader at Arise and Shine Christian Ministries, he is deeply committed to sharing God’s word and serving those often overlooked by society.
Having personally overcome years of addiction, Ryan possesses a profound understanding of vulnerability and the journey of recovery. For nine years, he worked closely with disadvantaged individuals, helping them navigate life’s challenges and regain confidence in themselves.
In 2020, he joined Manchester City Mission full-time, training to reach those considered “unreachable” on the streets. He played a leading role in Operation Joy across Manchester and Bolton, fostering hope through friendship and trust, and established drop-in centres in Oldham and Ashton-under-Lyne, offering meals, conversation, and practical support to street communities.
Under Ryan’s leadership, Homes of Hope has doubled the number of houses it operates, significantly expanding its reach and impact. His vision is to create a safe, welcoming environment where anyone—regardless of age, race, or background—can rebuild their lives, discover hope, and step confidently into a brighter future.
Ryan’s approach combines practical support with compassionate guidance, rooted in faith and a steadfast commitment to restoring dignity to those in need.
June has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to Homes of Hope. She began as a part-time team member while pursuing her master’s in project management, balancing her studies with her responsibilities.
Today, she manages the charity’s finance and administration functions, overseeing all day-to-day financial operations—including accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliations—while ensuring accurate financial records. She also handles compliance, audits, and strategic financial reporting, ensuring resources are used effectively to support programs and guests.
In her two years with Homes of Hope, June has grown professionally and spiritually, deepening her faith and commitment to serving others with empathy and respect. Her compassionate approach shines in every interaction with guests, reflecting both her values and the organisation’s mission. June exemplifies how expert financial management and heartfelt service can come together to transform lives.
Kelly joined Homes of Hope in September 2024, bringing both personal experience and professional compassion to her role. Having faced the challenges of addiction herself, she understands the feelings of hopelessness, vulnerability, and relational strain that often accompany it.
Before joining Homes of Hope, Kelly devoted her time to church-based homeless outreach, providing practical support such as food, clothing, and temporary shelter, alongside spiritual guidance, counseling, and companionship. She believes strongly in walking alongside individuals, offering consistent support that helps them build the confidence, resilience, and self-belief needed to overcome obstacles and reclaim their lives.
At Homes of Hope, Kelly dedicates herself fully to empowering service users. She provides encouragement, friendship, and practical support as they navigate challenges, regain independence, and work toward personal growth. Her approach combines deep empathy with unwavering consistency, creating a safe space in which people feel seen, supported, and genuinely valued.
Rooted in faith and a genuine desire to see lives restored, Kelly balances practical guidance with heartfelt care, helping those she serves rediscover stability, rebuild relationships, and embrace the possibility of a brighter future.
Janet spent 30 years as a physiotherapist within the NHS, specialising in cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle recovery. In her role, she supported individuals recovering from life-changing health events, helping them rebuild strength, confidence, and wellbeing
She developed a deep appreciation for the challenges people face when attempting to make lasting change, as well as the profound satisfaction that comes from empowering them to succeed.
In October 2023, Janet began volunteering with Homes of Hope and quickly realised her passion for this work. By June 2024, she became a part-time Support Worker, bringing her wealth of experience, empathy, and patient-centred approach to the charity. Janet is committed to demonstrating God’s love to everyone who comes through Homes of Hope’s doors, offering practical assistance, emotional support, and spiritual encouragement. She partners with guests to address their individual needs, guiding them on a journey of restored hope and renewed purpose. Through her work, Janet aims to help individuals rediscover dignity, make positive life choices, and embrace opportunities for personal growth, while fostering an environment where they feel safe, valued, and supported in building a brighter, more hopeful future.
Kelkina has been walking with Jesus for over a decade, and her recovery from addiction and depression is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of Christ. This journey shapes her compassionate, faith-led approach to supporting others.
Over the years, she has volunteered with charities serving women affected by exploitation, addiction, and long-term vulnerability, including those involved in prostitution. She previously served as a Debt Centre Manager with Christians Against Poverty, supporting individuals and families through severe financial crisis with dignity and practical care.
As a part-time volunteer support worker at Homes of Hope, Kalkina compassionately walks alongside women who have faced trauma and exploitation, offering trust, encouragement, and faith-driven guidance. She helps them access housing, healthcare, and specialist services, empowering them to reclaim safety, build independence, and rediscover hope for the future.
Kelkina stands alongside her husband, Ryan Ackrill, who manages Homes of Hope. Together, they are committed to bringing restoration, healing, and the love of Jesus to those in need, all for the glory of God.
Cyril has followed Jesus for over twenty years and has overcome personal challenges, including addiction, depression, and times when life felt overwhelming. His lived experiences give him a deep understanding of recovery, resilience, and the transformative power of hope.
He has worked in rehabilitation centres, supporting individuals through structured recovery programmes, offering daily encouragement, and helping them develop practical life skills for long-term stability. Cyril has also been involved in homeless outreach, providing practical assistance, conversation, and guidance while building trust with those experiencing isolation and hardship.
For the past ten years, Cyril has been part of The Message Trust, working within the facilities management team and supporting their mission to transform lives through the gospel. He now also works part-time with Homes of Hope, supporting service users facing complex social challenges and exclusion with consistent, compassionate, and practical care.
Motivated by his faith, Cyril seeks to restore dignity, confidence, and hope, creating a space where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives.
Dave is a social entrepreneur and Homeless Pastor who serves as the founder and leader of The Light Group. He began his professional career by establishing and running a marketing and film production company for 17 years before transitioning into the non-profit sector.
Dave went on to serve as CEO of Happydays UK, a charity delivering supported housing, homeless night shelters, and food banks.
With over 20 years of experience working with people affected by homelessness and social exclusion, Dave has developed practical, community-based initiatives across the UK and internationally. Passionate about his faith, he believes lasting change is rooted in dignity, community, and hope. A committed leader and advocate, Dave is focused on collaboration and creating sustainable solutions that help people rebuild their lives and find a place to belong.
Gavin has been involved with Homes of Hope since it started in 2012 and is passionate about helping to ensure more people have access to a home that is decent, safe, secure and affordable.
As Chair of the Trustees, Gavin also takes a leading role in championing safeguarding and health and safety. He serves as a Trustee with King’s Church in Greater Manchester and several other charities in Withington. Gavin is a local councillor in the Old Moat ward with Manchester City Council as well as the Executive Member for Housing and Development.
Tony has been a trustee for Homes of Hope for almost three years and has a heart for the marginalised. Having come from a background of crime and addiction, he encountered Jesus over 30 years ago and has been active in ministry ever since.
He serves as a trustee for Street Pastors, a representative of Ascension Trust, and a national trainer for the same organisation. Tony spent 15 years as an independent adviser to Greater Manchester Police, working with gangs involved in gun and knife crime in South Manchester. He has also worked extensively in Denmark on similar issues and acted as a consultant in the development of Kirke Care, modelled after Street Pastors.
In addition to his ministry and advisory roles, Tony is part of a church leadership team and runs his own business.
Gary’s vision and passion laid the foundations for Homes of Hope; a place dedicated to supporting people facing homelessness with compassion and dignity.
Having experienced homelessness himself, Gary brings not only over 25 years of professional expertise across the homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse sectors, but also a deep, personal understanding of the challenges individuals face. His lived experience, combined with decades of frontline and leadership work, has shaped a trauma informed and empathetic approach that recognises the complexities of mental health struggles, addiction, and social exclusion.
Gary is passionate about establishing supportive, family style communities focused on restoring stability, rebuilding confidence, and equipping residents with life changing skills and opportunities. His commitment to empowerment and co-production has earned national recognition, particularly for championing resident voices and driving meaningful service improvement.
Gary’s career spans senior leadership roles across the voluntary and housing sectors, including service management positions with Stockport Homes, King’s Church, and Turning Point. He is also actively involved in sector networks such as The Light Group and the International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition, contributing to collaborative efforts that strengthen services and outcomes for vulnerable people.
Driven by a passion for social justice, Gary remains committed to creating safe, stable environments where individuals who have experienced exclusion can rediscover their worth, rebuild their lives, and reclaim their future. His legacy of hope and resilience continues to shape the core values and mission of Homes of Hope”.
We seek to develop the life skills, resilience and well-being of our residents so that they have the choice and opportunity of moving into work, education, training or volunteering. We are passionate in helping people realise their worth and their identity, that everyone has amazing gifts, talents and abilities; and our desire is to help our residents understand their potential and avoid becoming homeless again.
The belief that people can change and be empowered to take responsibility for their own lives
Our commitment to each person’s growth and spiritual journey. The whole person, recognising the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimension
A safe community based on respect, trust, honesty, acceptance and accountability
Relationships and the importance of families, teamwork, modelling and healthy boundaries
Professional competence, appropriate training and the highest standards in service and practice
To equip and empower people with the belief that they can be part of the solution and contribute something back to society.
Helping all who are in need wherever we are able, regardless of their colour, race, sexuality, gender, religion or age.
“Love your neighbour as yourself.” – Mark 12:31
Recognising and communicating the value of each individual.
“I have called you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1
Standing up for those we serve, challenging what is unjust and promoting what is just.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” – Isaiah 1:17
Doing everything to a standard of excellence.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23