The catalyst for Living Hope was a child pickpocket and a single meal.

In 1997, whilst on her way to take up a post teaching English in Russia, New Zealander Rachael Hughes felt a hand reach for her purse and turned to confront the person. Instead she looked down at the face of a homeless child.

She had witnessed countless scared, hungry children begging on the streets of Vladivostok, so was moved to buy this child a meal. Seeing the way he devoured the food with an expression of shame made such an impression on Rachael that the next day she returned to the streets handing out fruit and sandwiches. Within a month she was feeding thirty children up to 3 times a week.

As knowledge of her work grew, more and more caring individuals came on board. People from local churches volunteered their time, money, food and facilities. And for the first time, many children knew they would receive regular food, clothing and love.

In 1999, the Vladivostok Homeless Children's Rehabilitation Society, Living Hope, was registered as a charitable organisation. Being officially recognised was the first step in making a real difference. With a Board of Administration, five full-time Russian staff as well as local and overseas volunteers, Living Hope continues to meet an ever-increasing number of children in need of a new beginning.

Questions most asked?

When did Living Hope start?

Living Hope started approximately 13 years ago in Vladivostok, Russia. (1997)

Why did Living Hope start?

While travelling/working in Vladivostok Rachael Hughes immediately identified that the street kids of Vladivostok needed all sorts of help. She set out to do exactly this and 13 years later is still helping the kids on the streets of Vladivostok.

Do you receive any support from the Russian Government?

We work closely with the government and although they do not fund us they endorse our work and are now helping us to build a shelter.

How is Living Hope set up?

Living Hope is a registered charity in Vladivostok Russia, with a local Russian Trustee board that oversees operations in Vladivostok. Rachael Hughes is founder and CEO with a Russian Direcs in V Operations in Vladivostok Russia.

Living Hope is also a registered Charitable Trust in New Zealand and is set up via a Deed of Trust. It has a board of Trustees overseeing the governing of the charitable trust.

Living Hope works with International Partners, who also receive donations on their behalf. Pioneers in Canada and Australia, Action Partners in the UK and REM in America.

How many kids live on the street of Vladivostok?

It's impossible to put an accurate figure on the number of homeless kids in Vladivostok as circumstances have changed dramatically over the years. But we as an organisation have over 1800 documented cases.

How old are the kids that live on the street?

The kids range in age from 8 through to 18 years of age. Sometimes there are younger kids on the streets trying to survive. Living Hope has worked with kids as young as 4 on the streets.

Why do the kids live on the streets of Vladivostok?

Children live on the streets for a number of reasons. These may include loss of parents, neglect or abuse by caregivers, along with lack of food and a safe place to sleep. Some children also choose to live on the streets to be with friends or peers.

What does Living Hope do for the kids?

Living Hope provides all sorts of essential daily items to the kids:
- food
- shelter during the day
- schooling and literacy lessons
- showers and clean clothes
- help with getting back into school
- emergency aid if the kids get sick
- a compassionate ear and unconditional love for all of the children

- eduation, up skilling

Living Hope also provides counselling to the children and holds two plus camps per year that children can attend. The camps aim to show children what life off the street can be like and tries to get them back into becoming contributing