In 2025, KiP Telford proudly marks 20 years of unwavering commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness across Telford and Wrekin. From humble beginnings to becoming a key player in local support services, our journey has been shaped by purpose, community, and the relentless pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable among us.
A Vision Born from Urgency
Our founder, Alan Olver MBE, started KiP with a powerful belief: that rough sleeping in the 21st century is a societal failure that must be challenged. His vision was simple yet revolutionary:
- Understand why people end up sleeping rough.
- Create real opportunities for everyone without a home to access accommodation.
- Offer a range of housing options—emergency, temporary, and permanent.
- Challenge the systems and attitudes that perpetuate homelessness and social exclusion.
This founding mission still drives every action we take today.
What We’ve Achieved Together
Thanks to the collective efforts of our team, volunteers, trustees, and local partners, KiP has achieved some remarkable milestones over the past two decades:
- Support Hub: Our drop-in centre continues to be a first point of contact and source of immediate help for individuals in crisis.
- Working with the Council: We’ve played an instrumental role in supporting the aims of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2018, helping single individuals avoid and recover from homelessness.
- Community Insight: Through tracking and sharing data, we’ve raised awareness of homelessness locally, giving the community the tools to better understand and respond to it.
- Collaborative Growth: In partnership with other developing organisations, KiP has helped establish services like Maninplace, providing property leasing and support that prevent rough sleeping and promote recovery.
A Lifeline for Many
For many individuals, KiP has been more than just a service—it’s been a lifeline. Every day we receive requests from people facing homelessness, often with nowhere else to turn. The need for safe, affordable accommodation continues to grow, and we remain committed to doing everything we can to meet that need.
Without KiP, the past 20 years in Telford could have looked very different: increased rough sleeping, more pressure on emergency services, and countless lost opportunities for recovery. Our community stood with us, and together, we’ve made a difference.
Moments That Mattered
There are so many memories to reflect on, but a few stand out:
- The joy of securing our first leased house.
- Seeing someone move into their first long-term home.
- Witnessing lives transformed by stability, safety, and support.
These moments are a constant reminder of why we do what we do. As Alan says, “If things were to change, I had to create the change.”
Recognising Support and Leadership
We are immensely grateful for the dedication of our trustees. Their willingness to embrace new and sometimes unorthodox approaches has allowed us to respond boldly and compassionately to evolving challenges. Their leadership has been a pillar of strength in our mission.
Alan Olver’s service has also been formally recognised—awarded Honorary Freeman of the Borough by Telford and Wrekin Council for more than 40 years of tireless service to the homeless.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Behind every achievement is a story. We’ve seen individuals move from sleeping rough to securing jobs, reconnecting with families, and rebuilding lives with dignity. These stories are not just inspiring—they’re proof that change is possible when the right support is in place.
The Road Ahead
As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we know the journey is far from over. Homelessness remains a complex, urgent issue—but we remain hopeful. With continued community support, collaborative partnerships, and a clear mission, we are determined to keep making a difference.
Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to the next chapter.
To learn more, get involved, or support our mission, please get in touch.
