Staff
Lisa Norcross - Lisa, our CEO, was a founding member of Kairos Housing back in 2021 and joined us as a member of staff in January 2023. Prior to this, she coordinated community English classes for asylum seekers and refugees, managed volunteer recruitment across the ARC Project, and led the Lancashire Sanctuary Homes Project for Together Lancashire under the Church Urban Fund.
Nancy Kinyanjui - Nancy joined the team in October 2023 as our full time Support Worker. With lived experience of the asylum process, promoting anti-discriminatory practice in society is close to her heart. She has worked in various roles supporting people on the margins of mainstream society and led diverse research initiatives and projects with a focus on equality, inclusion, and diversity to raise awareness and influence policy.
Trustees
Ali Ordikhan - Ali became a trustee at Kairos Housing in 2024, motivated by a strong desire to serve those in need and bring his expertise in community engagement and lived experience of the UK asylum process. Committed to advocating for vulnerable groups, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, Ali is dedicated to fostering environments where safety, dignity, and compassion are paramount. His work in social initiatives spans several charitable projects focused on improving the lives of marginalised communities. Ali’s faith-led approach and dedication to social justice enable him to contribute meaningfully to Kairos Housing’s mission of providing homes, hope, and support for all.
Charles Gent - Charles joined the trustee team in January 2023. He has a broad background, having worked as Chief Engineer in a Hydro-Electric Power Station, then extensively in Christian mission work in over 50 countries, followed by work in a Christian mission hospital in the United Arab Emirates. He is now Site Manager for Rhyddings GP Surgery, part of The Cornerstone Practice Healthcare gGroup. Charles is excited about the work of Kairos Housing, as he has a passion to support refugees and asylum seekers who are seeking refuge and safety and a new start in life.
Daleen ten Cate - Daleen is a co -founder of Kairos Housing and started the project as a result of finding a refugee homeless in the snow. Daleen works for the North West Synod for the United Reformed church as Missional Discipleship Mentor and is also the DEO of Churches Together in Lancashire. She has a passion for social justice and encouraging churches to work together in mission.
Debbie Smith - Debbie has been a primary school teacher (for more years than she cares to remember) and joined Kairos after having volunteered as an English teacher and case worker with asylum seekers and refugees at the ARC Project for 10 years.
Hein ten Cate - Hein joined the Kairos team in 2022. Hein works full time in the National Health Service as a Clinical Psychologist and has a special interest in working with trauma, resilience and the well-being of staff (caring for the carers).
John East - John has supported asylum seekers and refugees for over 20 years. He started a drop-in at Central URC Darwen and worked as an Asylum/Refugee Support Worker for Blackburn Cathedral. John established the ARC project at Wesley Hall and later helped create DARE at Darwen Central URC, where he remains Chair. He also helped set up the YMCA Welcome Project, is a Darwen Town Councillor, and advocates for the integration of new residents from conflict areas. His professional background spans 35 years in the local newspaper industry.
