MEET THE TEAM

Lara Oyedele, the current Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Housing,  is a social entrepreneur, property developer and campaigner for affordable housing.  She is passionate about eliminating homelessness and promoting diversity in leadership. 

Originally trained as a journalist, she has over 30 years’ experience working in housing associations, local authorities, private sector housing management companies and homelessness charities.

Lara is has served on the Board of Southern Housing Group as well as the housing regulator’s equality advisory board. She is a Non- Exec Director on the Board of Housing 21. Lara runs the training company Black on Board Ltd and is developing an affordable housing company. She is an alumnus of London School of Economics and Henley Business School.  

I have worked as an Estate Agent for the past fifteen years. I am Arla qualified and have a passion for all things property.

I feel honoured to have the opportunity to share my expertise to help transform lives of the most vulnerable in our society. As someone who has grown up in Bradford, I have a real desire to do my bit to help those in need in a city that has always been my home. I am grateful that I can come into a workplace where the sole aim is to help people.

I started working for Hope Housing in 2017. I'm not originally from Bradford, but I was involved in helping at homeless projects in other cities in my teenage years and in my early 20s.

I've always had a big passion for helping people. I love seeing the way that God often restores life in so many different ways and that we can be his vessels to bring relief, practical support & hope. I primarily work remotely, so I don't have face to face contact with clients, but Hope Housing does excellent work in the city, and I'm glad to be part of that. 

After years in a "normal job", I needed more than a wage, I needed fulfilment.

The words from Jesus sum it up for me; "I didn't come for the healthy but for those who need a doctor." None of us can do it alone, I hope to help people heal, through the love of God.

Love like God, live with Spirit, Do as Jesus.

I started working for Hope Housing in June 2023, new to Bradford originally from London and coming

from a corporate background, nothing could even prepare me for working for such a kind and caring organisation such as Hope Housing. I feel truly honoured and privileged to be part of an amazing team who works tirelessly to help the homeless sleeping rough in Bradford. Being part of the process and seeing our clients as they take those steps to turn their lives around is truly amazing.

​

As the Admin for Hope Housing even though I am working away in the background to support our diligent and caring team - each day leaves me feeling truly fulfilled knowing that as a team we are working hard with the help of God to make a difference in people's lives.  

After commencing my journey with Hope Housing in August 2023, I finally feel I have found the fitting role for me. Following several jobs that failed to fulfil me, this position actively involved aiding people, bringing me a sense of peace. During my time here, I will function as a Housing Support Worker. Additionally, my role offers an element of assisting a research project within the Criminology sector, which is very exciting. 

​

"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." 

I'm honoured to serve as the Volunteer Coordinator. Working with Hope Housing is more than just a job for me - it's a calling. 

Every day, I'm driven by the belief that we're called to love and care for another, especially those in need. I'm excited to connect compassionate individuals like you with opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our community. Together, let's bring hope, dignity, and love to those who need it most. 

Join us in our mission to make a positive impact!

I joined Hope Housing in 2024, eager to have an active, hands on role 'out and about' helping vulnerable people - and having already got to know the team quite well. I really like the 'vibe' and variety here, and I'm learning a lot - including practicalities like how to reset a gas boiler!

Being a Hope housing support worker, I enjoy the challenges of helping vulnerable people improve their lives. Outside of work, I love reading, walking, tennis - and do a mean tyrannosaurus rex impression! I once spent a couple of years teaching English in South Korea.

I am incredibly excited to begin my journey with Hope Housing and to contribute to making a positive impact in the lives of the people in Bradford. As a new Christian, this opportunity represents a thrilling leap of faith for me. Joining this charity allows me to actively participate in fulfilling God's work and spreading His love and compassion to those in need. I look forward to the meaningful experiences and the chance to bring hope and support to the community.

I made a decision to apply for the role of Support Worker after attending the Hope Housing Annual Conference. I was inspired by their values and the heart warming stories told by tenants.

Whilst I couldn’t support the charity financially, or offer a homeless person accommodation, I could offer my skills and expertise to support the valuable work they do.