Leave a gift in your will
In the past few years, New Hope has been on the receiving end of incredible generosity from people leaving gifts in their will. As a result we have been able to sustain and develop our many services and projects with those who are homeless in Watford.
Your will is a powerful tool. It’s a way for you to change the future for the people you care about, and help New Hope prevent homelessness and transform lives. When you remember New Hope in your will, you help us to plan ahead, to be more effective and more efficient.
We do ask that you ensure that any family and loved ones are provided for and then considering leaving a gift to help some of the most vulnerable in our community. You don’t have to be wealthy, every gift to New Hope, large or small, will bring hope, dignity and respect to people who are experiencing homelessness.
We recommend that you talk to a solicitor to ensure that your will is legally correct and that your wishes are clear. We are able to recommend local solicitors should you require this help.
This home was purchased using the generous legacy featured in the article below.
The generosity of Audrey and Peter Barnes
Every day we receive dozens of phone calls. Sadly, most are from people in need of help. However, some are from people wanting to offer help. In 2014, we received one such call, from a local lady called Audrey Barnes who had been recommended to get in touch with us by her local vicar. We had no idea where this call would lead. We invited Audrey for a tour of our work and, as we walked around, she shared her story with us. Tragically, Audrey and her husband Peter had both been diagnosed with terminal cancer. They had no children, but wanted to leave their home as a legacy, that it might be a blessing to those who have not known the joy of a home.
Audrey particularly warmed towards the fledgling idea of HopeHomes – a place where people with experience of homelessness could call home. Audrey and Peter agreed that they would like to leave the bulk of their estate to New Hope. This astounding generosity is something we had not experienced to this level before.
Sadly, both Audrey and Peter passed away in 2015. However, true to their wish, New Hope benefited from the sale of their bungalow and the bulk of the couple’s estate. In turn, we were able to buy a five-bed house in West Watford, a HopeHome.
Audrey and Peter’s story has been such an encouragement to us and we thank God for moving their hearts in this way. It is so rare to find people willing to offer their home to those who have none.
If you or someone you know would like to talk with us about leaving a gift to New Hope – however large or small – we would be so encouraged to hear from you. Please call 01923 227 132.
“I am very happy and I like the level of support I receive. I feel safe and I like my weekly catch-up. It’s good to know if I have an issue New Hope staff are at the end of the phone. It is so reassuring.” Sam, a HopeHome resident.
What we promise
• We’d love to take you on a Walk of Hope to show you some of our services for yourself or come and have a cup of tea with some of our staff in one of our gardens.
• We won’t put any pressure on you to give. Please put any loved ones first.
• We are happy to answer any questions you have about our finances, fundraising and plans for the future.
• We will treat your gift honourably ensuring that is used effectively and wisely.
• We will respect your wishes as outlined in your will.
Gifts in memory of a loved one
We work in partnership with MuchLoved, an online tribute charity, to provide a free tribute service where you can remember someone special, and fundraise in their memory. You can create a special, personalised tribute page for your loved one, where you can share memories, photos, stories, music and videos to celebrate their life, as well as donate to our work in their honour.
If you would like to create a tribute page to remember someone special and raise money in their memory, you can click here and select New Hope as your chosen charity.