Walter Moore was born in Nottingham at the turn of the 20th century. Brought up with four siblings in a single parent home, experiences of his family's poverty and mother's work with Narrow Marsh Gospel Temperance Mission had a huge influence upon his formative years.
After serving in the army during the Great War, he returned to a 'country fit for heroes'. He tried to make ends meet by working a as painter and decorator. But life was hard and he ended up at the Poor Law Institution. It was scrupulously hygienic but "devastating to one's dignity". It left an indelible impression on Walter and he was determined not to face it again.
After the Second World War, he built up a successful business. In his fifties, he became increasingly conscious of the fact that he had left his faith behind. This personal search ended in Salem Tabernacle, a small Pentecostal chapel in Liverpool, where Walter rededicated his life to God.
After retirement, he was soon in demand to be associated with a variety of initiatives to reach out to people in need. He was involved in Hill Farm, a residential drug rehab facility and later with a scheme for homeless ex-offenders. These experiences led him to develop the concept of Adullam: to "offer a home where residents may live their own lives, free". Walter was awarded the MBE in 1985 for services to the homeless.