A charity reigniting hope and a future for everyone facing homelessness.
Why was the charity founded?
In 1984 a group of young Christians recognised that there was nowhere for young homeless people to go in the North East, if they wanted to move off the street and get back onto their feet. They set up Oasis Community Housing – or Aquila Housing Association as it was then – and three years later managed to raise enough funds to buy a property, offering supported, selfcontained accommodation to five women. Now, 39 years later, we’re proud to support more than 1,300 people every year.
Which areas do you cover?
Based in Gateshead, we have 17 projects across the North East, London, and Peterborough, all tackling the root causes of homelessness. Our ‘Home’ project, just like that original property, provides a secure supported space for men, women, and mothers and babies to get back on their feet. Our ‘Basis’ service offers crisis support – from benefits advice through to being a friendly ear – for rough sleepers. ‘Aspire’ supports those furthest from the job market with training and skills, while through ‘Empower’ we support young women who have suffered domestic abuse move towards safety and independence.
What type of fundraising events do you have?
On Friday 19 May, our Patron, BBC’s Reverend Kate Bottley will be hosting our Black & Gold Ball at the Hilton in Gateshead. With our last few tables remaining there is still time to bag your place and join in the fun. We also have places available for this year’s Great North Run and encourage our wonderful supporters to take on all kinds of personal fundraising challenges for us. The Oasis Cup is our annual corporate five-a-side football tournament with the next competition taking place on Friday 22 September at Gateshead International Stadium. We recently launched Challenge 100, which encourages students to come up with creative ways to raise £100 in 100 days.
What are you currently working on?
Research shows that 94% of people facing homelessness have suffered trauma. Experiences such as child neglect, domestic abuse, family death, violence or war. Our staff hear stories of trauma every day. Trauma is a direct trigger for homelessness and keeps people trapped in its cycle.
That’s why we’re running a campaign called Tackling Trauma, Ending Homelessness, calling on the government to recognise and roll out trauma-informed care to help people tackle the lasting impact of their trauma and move on from their homelessness.
Visit www.oasiscommunityhousing.org/traumahomelessness/ to pledge your support for our campaign.
What does the future hold?
We are keen to grow and expand our work into other parts of the country and in January we opened our doors to a new project in Peterborough to provide accommodation and support to seven families of Ukrainian refugees that have had to flee their homes.
The cost of living crisis has hit people facing homelessness especially hard. People already struggling have been pushed to the brink of despair. It is more important than ever that we continue to be there for the people who need it most. We are committed to stepping up and doing what we do best to play our part, whatever the future holds.
How do you get involved?
There are many ways for you and your company to get involved and invest in a future where no one is homeless. From financial support, which enables us to be there and keep many of our projects running around the clock, to the gift of time – delivering advice and training to those struggling with unemployment, personal finances or wellbeing – and thoughtful donations of warm clothes or food.