For Green Pastures, homelessness is rarely just about housing. Behind every need for a safe place to stay is a person with a story, and often a much deeper need for support.
Green Pastures carries stories of crisis, hope, and transformation every day through its work with churches, charities, staff, partners, and investors across the UK. When the team came to The Hayes for their annual conference, it gave them space to step back from the demands of that work, reconnect with one another, and remember the people at the heart of their mission.
We spoke with Charlotte Russell, Marketing Officer at Green Pastures, who shared a story that has stuck with her.
After losing everything, James found himself in prison, feeling abandoned by God. But an encounter with God became a turning point. When he was released with nowhere to live, Yellow Ribbon, a Green Pastures partner, offered him a place to rebuild his life.
Emotionally, it can be hard when you see individuals facing incredibly difficult circumstances… There are times when you have to hold on to hope even when situations seem stuck.
Through safe accommodation, discipleship, and support, James began to rediscover purpose. Today, he volunteers as Activities Coordinator at Yellow Ribbon, helping others find the same hope he received. James has said that without Yellow Ribbon, and without the homes made possible through Green Pastures, he believes he wouldn’t be alive today.
His story reflects what Green Pastures sees across its network. Homelessness can affect people sleeping rough, families facing eviction, survivors of domestic abuse, or people leaving prison with nowhere safe to go. Green Pastures works with churches, charities, staff, and investors to provide homes where local partners can offer not only accommodation, but friendship, support, and a fresh start.
It’s meaningful work, but it carries weight. The team often walks alongside people in crisis, while also facing practical pressures around housing availability, rising costs, and increasing demand.
“Emotionally, it can be hard when you see individuals facing incredibly difficult circumstances… There are times when you have to hold on to hope even when situations seem stuck,” Charlotte says.
That is part of why their time away at The Hayes mattered.
The Hayes allowed us to step back, focus on Jesus, listen to one another, pray together, and remember why we do what we do.
Green Pastures is a national organisation, with staff spread across the UK, over 80 partners, and hundreds of investors connected to their work. Day to day, much of the mission happens in different places and through different teams.
Photo by George Downes.
When the team gathered at The Hayes, what they needed most was connection and renewal. “We carry the weight of many challenges,” Charlotte says. “The Hayes allowed us to step back, focus on Jesus, listen to one another, pray together, and remember why we do what we do.”
During the gathering, people began sharing honestly about the challenges and victories they had experienced over the past year. Those conversations helped the team remember that they were not carrying the work alone.
Photo by George Downes.
Some of the most valuable moments happened outside the formal sessions. One conversation over a meal stood out to Charlotte, as people opened up about what had been challenging them and what they were grateful for.
Away from the usual pace of work, there was room to speak honestly about the pressures they were carrying. For Charlotte, those informal conversations showed the value of investing in relationships as a team.
Photo by George Downes.
The impact of the gathering was not just about the time spent away. It was about what the team carried back with them.
“I left encouraged by the story of God woven through people’s lives and his faithfulness to us,” Charlotte says.
Green Pastures returned more connected, with a renewed vision. Taking time to reflect on their purpose and spend quality time together strengthened them as a team.
Those informal conversations create space for honesty and encouragement in a way that isn't always possible when everyone is focused on their work.
Photo by George Downes.
That matters because the strength of the team affects the people they serve. When staff, partners, and supporters are encouraged and reminded of the bigger picture, they are better equipped to continue supporting the people and partners who rely on them.
There is much to be hopeful about. Across the country, Green Pastures continues to see churches and charities responding to homelessness with commitment. They are seeing stories of people rebuilding their lives. More people are choosing to invest with them, and Green Pastures has now reached over £50 million invested.
Photo by George Downes.
For Charlotte, that generosity is something worth celebrating.
Stories like James’ are a reminder that this work is not only about property, finance, or housing supply. It is about people being known, valued, and supported. It is about churches and charities opening doors to those who need a fresh chance.
After their time away at The Hayes, Green Pastures returned to that mission with renewed strength, ready to continue supporting their partners, investors, and the people at the heart of their work.
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