Faith

With just £50 in the bank and two volunteers, Peter and Vivienne Chapman set up the Shekinah Mission in Plymouth in December 1992.

Fifteen years later, the Bath Street mission now has 43 staff working across six projects. And in 2006, 58% of trainees on its return to work programmes found a way out of homelessness.

As lives are transformed, the workers at the mission dream of a time when their services will no longer be needed.

The reality in 2007 is that a broader range of people are in danger of becoming homeless and the service is growing to meet demand.

From the very beginning the founder, Peter Chapman, had a vision that the drop-in centre would provide more than just basic food and shelter for people living on the streets.

Today, the Shekinah Mission boasts one of the most successful return to work programmes for homeless people in the UK.

Helping others

Just 10 weeks after starting a building skills course Brett Gaunt is volunteering with Steady Work. He's been inspired by the tutors and would like to follow in their footsteps.

Straight to a bright future for Brett

"Before it was all about me," he said.

"I'd rather help other people, than help myself now."

Steady Work provides a range of education and training projects which benefit around 250 learners each year.

Courses such as computer skills, creative writing, plastering or painting and decorating can lead to work placements.

The Steady Work Project makes life much easier for the Return to Work manager, Soo Brizzell-Hogg.

"People have had two or three months of training support and development, they've got into the routine of getting up early, coming in and doing a full days training," she told BBC Devon.

"It helps them realise the potential they've got."

Computer classes at the Shekinah Mission

The future

Director of the Shekinah Mission, John Hamblin, believes they would all love to see an end to homelessness, but that continuing the work of the mission is vital.

"I think we need to change as a service to meet the needs of the client group," he said.

"We've certainly seen a lot of younger people come through the door, which is a worrying trend.

"I see our work growing, but I think our client base will broaden and our focus will be about prevention," he added.

The Steady Work project has been replicated in Torbay and staff from London's largest homeless organisation St Mungo's have been to Plymouth to learn how to replicate Shekinahs success in the capital.

To hear Brett's personal story click on the links at the top of this page.