A new charity with a mission to tackle homelessness in the North East will soon have two properties in Hexham available.

Core Foundations has raised £29,000, applying a concept from Peterborough-based project, Hope into Action.

The Christian charity, established last summer by Philip Crawford and wife Caroline, engages socially aware investors to rent homes for a small fee.

This scheme enables Core Foundations to furnish the homeless with high-quality shelter.

It currently accommodates 315 individuals across the East Midlands and East Anglia.

The charity's first standalone house will be rented from the Newcastle-based social housing provider, Karbon Homes.

This property located in Consett, County Durham will be ready next month.

Following which, the charity intends to unveil two additional homes in Hexham, Northumberland.

Each residence can shelter two people.

Hexham Courant: Core Foundations has raised £29,000, applying a concept from Peterborough-based project, Hope into

Philip Crawford said: "Homelessness is on the increase and there are a variety of reasons why people find themselves sleeping rough, including addiction, poverty, a shortage of affordable homes or the lack of a support network.

"Having witnessed firsthand, the success of Hope into Action, I wanted to establish a similar initiative here in the North East, which will allow us to transform lives by creating a brighter future for those affected by homelessness."

Caroline Crawford explained the charity's approach to tackling homelessness: "Core Foundations is not just providing shelter, but a pathway to independence and self-help by fostering connections with local churches and communities in order to build a supportive and positive environment.

"We are not just providing homes but building hope."