The Esther Community was set up in 1999 in response to the desperate need for hostel accommodation for young and vulnerable homeless women in Exeter. Almost from the first day that we opened we have been constantly full.
The Esther Community moved to new premises in spring 2004 and offers both hostel and bed-sit accommodation. This additional level of care allows girls to prepare for moving back into main stream society by gaining independence as their confidence and capabilities grow. Our senior staff are Christians and we believe this makes a real difference to the way we run the project.
Feedback/comments from stakeholders about Esther:
"Clients who move on from Esther are among our most motivated and therefore most successful clients"
"You provide an invaluable service Exeter could not do without."
"Esther are very committed in reducing rough sleeping in Exeter - they take high need clients who most accommodation providers won't touch. Without them Exeter would have an increase in rough sleepers."
Snapshot of one of our residents
Fiona left behind three young children to flee from a violent husband who was wrecking her life. When we first met her, she was so terrified that she cowered in a corner of the room. The staff at Esther were instrumental in helping her to make profound changes in her home situation. After only four weeks, she left Esther a changed woman and is now living with the children.