There is another side of Challenge 2000, which is constant and perhaps less obvious. There are families and people who live alone for whom Challenge is a place of comfort, a place to belong. Challenge can take the place of grandparents or siblings or church community. These people have often fallen on hard times and their lives are tinged with a sense of hopelessness. They know they can ring the Challenge House at any time – to talk, or to ask for practical help. This may be in the form of advocacy, translation, letter writing or transport to appointments. More importantly they know they will always find a listening heart and willingness to search for a way out of current difficulties to wholeness.

Challenge 2000 older volunteers and youth workers continue to live the Challenge dream of being light and hope in dark places. This is our job.