131 people were found bedded down on the streets of Ipswich in 2024/25
Our history
Ipswich Housing Action Group was established and opened its first house to residents in 1976, the same year as the heatwave, record inflation and Ipswich Town finished sixth in the First Division, signing Paul Mariner from Plymouth for a club record £220,000.
Originally based in Old Foundry Road, the charity aimed to help single men who found themselves homeless for whatever reason. Ten years later, a Community Resource Centre (CRC) opened on the site and remained there until moving to its current location in Black Horse Lane in 2011, later changing its name to The Chapman Centre.
Throughout the charity’s history, the focus has been on prevention first, often demonstrating and advocating for change on behalf of those it supports. A regulated Money Advice Service was introduced in 1997, offering impartial and practical support and advice around debts. This closed in March 2023 due to a lack of funding.
Today, ihAg welcomes anyone at risk of homelessness, or living with the experience of homelessness. The aim is still to secure a safe place to call home, as we believe this is a fundamental human right.
Our vision is that "Every person has access to a safe home to call their own, and to receive the right support for them, at the right time, to enable them to maintain their home, and achieve a level of independency which is right for them"
Every donation to ihAg makes a real difference. Supporting people in Ipswich through hardship with compassion, practical advice and essential care. Donate today to help someone move from crisis to stability, offering hope, dignity and a second chance.
If you have any unanswered questions about how we support those facing financial hardship or homelessness, or would like to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
You can explore our Frequently asked questions, for quick answers, or watch our Myth Busting videos to better understand the realities of homelessness and the work we do.
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, our team will be happy to help.
ihAg is based at the Chapman Centre, our "Homeless Hub" which is open 6-days a week, offering support advice and guidance by phone, face-to-face appointments, and drop-in's.
Whilst we do not have emergency beds to offer to people who are street homeless, we can support people to register for these via the Local Authority.
Whether it’s for you, a loved one, or someone you’re supporting, we’re here to help
The Trustees are the Directors of the company and form the voluntary management committee.
They play a vital role in shaping ihAg’s strategic direction, ensuring good governance, and supporting our mission to help people facing homelessness in Ipswich. We’re always open to welcoming new voices and expertise to strengthen our team and broaden our impact.
Meet the Trustees and learn more about the people guiding our work.
Our staff and volunteers deliver the face to face or behind the scenes support to help everyone who comes to us.
"I'm incredibly proud of the whole ihAg team, who bring such compassionate and commitment to the workplace every single day, to ensure all who seek our help are given the very best support, advice and guidance "
Meet the team and learn more about how their roles.
Personalised support makes a difference.
When the pressure of work led to an episode of poor mental health, E’s marriage ended and he lost his home. After two years sofa surfing and sleeping rough, E approached ihAg for support.
Since then, he has successfully engaged with mental health support services, is repaying his debts and volunteering at a community library to rebuild his confidence. His next positive step is to find a small place he can call his own. Read more case studies here.
ihAg Ltd is a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee (Charity number 1107841, Company number 5268499) which works closely with many organisations and agencies to deliver its services.