GP Derby is 24/7 staffed, a dry house meaning no one can drink in or out of the project and each person must access the support provided. Having seen the importance of training, education, voluntary work and recreation in the process of recovery we developed the Ten Hours Plus initiative. This means that every resident must engage in a minimum ten hours of work, training, voluntary or recreational activities per week. Those activities are provided either by Green Pastures, in house, or through networking and partnership with local organisations. We also provide in house groups that deal with the underlying issues at the heart of addiction such as the Freedom in Christ program. We have a simple structure that has brought stability, hope and change to many residents over the years with encouraging stories of residents that have managed to turn their lives around.
We make a lifelong commitment to each person. Many residents have progressed to becoming mentors, voluntary workers and others have gone back into full time education or back into the workplace. Some are now working in the supported housing sector. Amid ever-increasing homeless statistics Green Pastures is showing to a world today that there is hope, there is a way out.
Green Pastures doesn’t just house the homeless but helps the homeless. Creating homes that bring hope, dignity and self-worth along with opportunities for change and transformation. We believe in giving people a chance to build and improve their lives and that nobody should be left behind in having that opportunity. Ultimately, our source of meaning is from God. We believe that God cares for and loves each individual and wants them to have a better life and to find him. We have been blessed to see many people come to know God during their time with us and this gives us the energy and the motivation to keep going!
Homelessness brings its own complexities with those that have become homeless needing different pathways and routes towards change. The larger 28 project meets a certain need but move on homes, training and education facilities, detox and rehabilitation centres, night shelters and worker homes, all available to both male and females, are needed and will be at the heart of any future growth.