Colchester Korban Project is a Christian charity providing supported housing for 16 – 25 year olds of all faiths and none, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  Korban breaks the cycle of homelessness for young people in Colchester, providing them with a home and the support they need to live independently and make the most of their potential.

 

Korban was started by local churches as a response to youth homelessness in Colchester.  It began life in 2006 as ‘Colchester Night Stop’, a branch of a national charity, using host families to provide emergency temporary accommodation for young people in immediate crisis.  In 2008 we became an independent charity and today we look after 8 young people through Bethany Place (our 5 bed hub house) and Bethel House (our 3 bed move-on house) for 2 – 3 years each.

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Over 123,000 young people were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the UK in 2024-25, and 54% of all rough sleepers first experienced homelessness before the age of 25 (Centrepoint).​  According to the British Association of Social Workers “young people with experiences of homelessness are one of the most vulnerable groups in society.” ​

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"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty."   Mother Teresa
 

Young people have been hit hard by reductions to youth services and welfare reform over the last few years, and assistance with accommodation is needed now more than ever.  Homelessness among young people is often a hidden issue and many of those facing this problem are still in education, training or work.  The rising pressure that comes from being faced with homelessness has a devastating effect on all areas of life.    

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Korban has been providing young people with a place of care and safety since 2008.  Approximately 80% of our residents move on positively, and they also benefit in other ways during their time at Korban:

 

• 82% report that their mental/emotional health improved or stabilised

• 82% report their key relationships improved or stabilised

• 80% report their money management improved or stabilised

• 77% of residents were in paid employment, full time education or regular voluntary work and of these over ½ started or increased this while at Korban.

 

A small team of dedicated staff, led by our CEO, handle the planning and day-to-day running of the project.  The charity is overseen by a Board of Trustees made up of local people with a variety of skills, who all carry a passion to help homeless young people.  We are thrilled to have the Right Reverend Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester, and the Venerable Ruth Patten, Archdeacon of Colchester as our patron.  

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You can read more about the work of Korban in both our

Annual Report 2023-24

Korban Booklet

 

Click here to view our accounts. 

Click here to read the Chairman's report.  

Click here to read the Manager's report.  

 

 

“I have found that my confidence is getting better and having the

support has helped a lot.”

Aaron, aged 19

(name changed)