A beacon of hope and support for those facing homelessness and social exclusion, NOAH (New Opportunities and Horizons) has been at the forefront of community service in Bedfordshire (United Kingdom) for over three decades. The Luton-based charity has dedicated itself to aiding the most marginalized, providing a wide range of services that address not only immediate needs but also offer long-term solutions for some of society’s most vulnerable members.

A Holistic Approach to Homelessness and Exclusion

Since its inception, NOAH has operated with a singular vision: to alleviate poverty and bring hope to those who have found themselves on the fringes of society. The charity’s approach is deeply holistic, recognizing that the journey out of homelessness and exclusion is multifaceted and requires tailored support. Whether through a hot meal, medical care, or accredited training programs, NOAH’s services are designed to meet individuals wherever they are in their journey, offering a pathway out of destitution that is both supportive and sustainable.

“Our mission is to provide practical, empowering, and caring services to people who are homeless or severely excluded,” says Jim O’Connor, CEO of NOAH. “We see the potential in every individual and work tirelessly to help them realize it.”

The Early Days: A Vision Born from Compassion

Sister Eileen O’Mahony, DC

NOAH’s roots can be traced back to the efforts of Sister Eileen, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. In April 1987, Sister Eileen arrived in Luton, planning to stay briefly on her way to her community in Bristol. However, what she witnessed in Luton—a city grappling with significant poverty and homelessness—compelled her to stay. With nothing more than a block of condemned flats, Sister Eileen and her sole supporter, Sister Antoinette, began the work that would eventually become NOAH Enterprise.

Initially operating as the Luton Irish Advisory Bureau, the project’s focus shifted as it became clear that homelessness and social exclusion were the critical issues that needed addressing. In 1993, the organization rebranded as the Luton Day Centre for the Homeless, reflecting its expanded mission to support not just the homeless but also those struggling with substance misuse, mental health issues, and social isolation.

By 1994, NOAH had introduced training courses to help their clients develop essential skills, leading to the establishment of a dedicated training center in 1996. This center, in partnership with Dunstable College (now Central Bedfordshire College), offered courses in carpentry, literacy, and numeracy, laying the groundwork for the charity’s future endeavors in education and employment.

NOAH Enterprise: A New Era

In September 1999, recognizing the progress many of their clients were making and the stigma associated with the term “homeless,” the organization underwent another transformation, rebranding as NOAH Enterprise. The new name, New Opportunities and Horizons, was chosen to better reflect the charity’s philosophy and the broad range of services it offered.

Under the leadership of Jim O’Connor, who took the reins in 2000 after Sister Eileen’s retirement, NOAH expanded its operations significantly. One of the major developments during this period was the growth of their furniture recycling and re-use program. Originally a small shop, this enterprise grew into a 20,000 sq. ft. facility that not only generated income to support NOAH’s charitable activities but also provided work experience and skills training for hundreds of individuals each year.

This focus on social enterprise has been a cornerstone of NOAH’s approach, offering a dual benefit: generating revenue to sustain their operations while providing meaningful opportunities for those they support to gain valuable skills and work experience. This, combined with their welfare services and training programs, forms a comprehensive support system designed to help individuals transition from the streets to stable employment.

NOAH’s Comprehensive Services

NOAH’s services are designed to be as comprehensive as possible, recognizing that homelessness and social exclusion are issues that require more than just a one-size-fits-all solution. The charity’s three main service areas—Welfare Services, Training Provision, and Social Enterprise—are interlinked, providing a support system that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals.

Welfare, Advice, and Outreach

The heart of NOAH’s work lies in its welfare services, which often serve as the first point of contact for those in need. Here, individuals can receive food, clothing, medical and dental care, and advice on accessing accommodation and income support. NOAH’s outreach teams also play a crucial role, engaging with rough sleepers and those who are isolated, helping to connect them with the services they need.

Training and Employment Support

A critical part of NOAH’s mission is to equip individuals with the skills they need to achieve long-term stability. Their training programs cover a wide range of areas, from digital literacy and English language skills to more specialized vocational training. These programs are designed to prepare participants for employment, offering both practical skills and the confidence needed to re-enter the workforce.

In 2014, NOAH introduced its Academy, which serves as a bridge between training and employment. Here, individuals can continue to develop their skills, with courses specifically tailored to help them find and sustain employment. The Academy’s offerings have been particularly beneficial for migrants and those whose career paths have been disrupted by life events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Social Enterprise: A Pathway to Employment

NOAH’s social enterprise activities are another vital component of their support system. These enterprises not only help fund the charity’s work but also provide valuable work experience for NOAH’s clients. By engaging in these activities, individuals can gain the practical skills and work habits necessary to succeed in a traditional employment setting.

“Our social enterprise activities are not just about generating income,” O’Connor explains. “They are about giving people a chance to build self-confidence, self-esteem, and ultimately, self-respect. We believe that everyone has something to contribute, and our goal is to help them find that and use it to build a better future.”

The Future of NOAH: Adapting to New Challenges

As NOAH looks to the future, the organization is keenly aware of the evolving challenges posed by new socio-economic conditions. The Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit have both had significant impacts on the communities NOAH serves, and the charity is responding with plans for the 2021-2026 period that reflect these new realities.

One of the key areas of focus will be on young people whose career goals have been disrupted by the pandemic. NOAH plans to introduce new programs specifically aimed at helping these individuals get back on track. Additionally, the charity will continue to expand its support for migrants, providing the assistance they need to secure housing and employment in a post-Brexit landscape.

NOAH is also committed to expanding its social enterprises, creating more opportunities for vocational training and increasing the charity’s ability to generate income independently. This will ensure that NOAH can continue to offer its services to those in need, even as external funding sources fluctuate.

“We are determined to never stop learning and never stop improving our services,” says O’Connor. “Our commitment is to be there for anyone who needs us, and to provide them with the tools they need to build a better life.”

A Legacy of Hope and Transformation

Over the past 30 years, NOAH has built a legacy of hope and transformation in Bedfordshire. From its humble beginnings in a condemned block of flats, the charity has grown into a multi-faceted organization that touches the lives of thousands of people each year. Through its welfare services, training programs, and social enterprises, NOAH provides a comprehensive pathway out of homelessness and exclusion, offering endless chances for those willing to take the journey.

The charity’s success is a testament not only to the vision and dedication of its founders and leaders but also to the resilience and potential of the individuals it serves. As NOAH continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, its commitment to bringing hope and opportunity to the most disadvantaged remains as strong as ever.

“We are incredibly fortunate to work with so many inspiring individuals,” O’Connor reflects. “Their stories are what drive us forward, and their successes are the true measure of our impact. We are grateful to our community, partners, and funders for making this work possible, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”

As NOAH enters its fourth decade, the charity remains a vital resource for those in need in Bedfordshire, offering not just a handout, but a hand up—helping individuals to rebuild their lives, one step at a time.

Contact:

• Address: 260-270 Butterfield, Great Marlings, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 8DL
  
• Telephone: +44 (0)1582 540800
  
• Email: info@noahenterprise.org
• Web: https://noahenterprise.org/

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