This Trustees Week (4 – 8 November), homeless charity Oasis Community Housing announces the appointment of two new trustees to help steer the charity in the face of growing need.

Jonathan Wood and Steve Coles bring expertise in operations, housing and health, respectively, as latest figures show over 320,000 households are facing homelessness, a record high.

Oasis Community Housing works to tackle the root causes of homelessness as well as supporting over 1,300 men, woman and children on their journeys out of homelessness each year. This year marks 40 years since the charity was founded.

The charity’s Chair of trustees, Nick Salisbury, said:

“We warmly welcome Jonathan Wood and Steve Coles as new members of the board of trustees. Their invaluable experience will further enrich our Board’s ability to play an active role in leveraging the charity’s life-changing work, to achieve the greatest impact for people facing homelessness.

“We really appreciate and value the input of all of our trustees, who freely give their experience and expertise to help Oasis Community Housing continue working with people, who have often suffered unimaginable traumas, to reach their God-given potential.”

New charity trustees are:

Jonathan Wood – Jonathan is CEO of the Leeds Diocesan Board of Finance. Prior to this, he had a varied career within the Ministry of Justice, latterly as the National Services Director of Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. In all of Jonathan’s roles, his focus has been on making a positive difference to people through effective and efficient operations.

Steve Coles – Steve works in a variety of leadership, governance and advisory roles in the social sector, with particular expertise in homelessness, housing and health. Formerly the CEO of Spitalfields Crypt Trust, an addictions recovery and homelessness charity in east London, Steve is now the Chair of J49, a registered provider of social housing; the Chair of the Guild of Health, which helps churches be places of health, healing and flourishing; and is on the leadership team of The Salvation Army church where he lives in south west London.

Commenting on his appointment, Jonathan said:

“I’m excited to be joining Oasis Community Housing. I have heard really good things about the work it does, and the people who do it from fellow trustees. I am looking forward to being able to bring my perspective from running a large charity with a significant property portfolio and to support the team as they continue to deliver and make a difference for those in need.”

Commenting on his appointment, Steve said:

“I am really pleased to have been appointed as a trustee of Oasis Community Housing. It’s an organisation that I have known and admired for quite a few years, particularly in relation to its trauma-informed work and Housing First projects. Being part of an organisation with strong values, a passion for creating positive change, and an amazing team is a real privilege. The work of Oasis Community Housing is life-changing and nothing short of life-saving. I’m looking forward to playing a small part in it all over the coming years.”

Oasis Community Housing’s Acting Chief Executive, Sarah Lister, said she was looking forward to working with the newly expanded Board:

“We’re seeing shocking numbers of people facing the daily crisis of homelessness rise higher and higher, year on year. The need has never been greater.

“We welcome our charity trustees, who bring new perspectives and professional expertise that will help us continue to hone our delivery of frontline, trauma-informed support to more people, in more places.”

For more information about Oasis Community Housing, visit oasiscommunityhousing.org

Over 160 footballers from 18 businesses took part in a charity football tournament to raise vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness. The Oasis Cup, homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing’s annual mixed five-a-side football tournament held at Gateshead International Stadium, raised an incredible £10,400 to support men, women and children experiencing homelessness.

View images from the day here >>>

The 22 teams who competed for the trophy comprised of players from businesses including: Zentia UK ltd, Atkins Realis, Stagecoach (Newcastle and Sunderland), Komatsu UK, Sweeney Miller Law, Naylors Gavin Black, Northeast Young Dad’s and Lads, EQUANS UK, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, Lovell Partnerships, Karbon Homes, Gentoo Group, ISOLER, Consultiv Utilities, Bowmer+Kirkland, Callerton Kitchen and Interiors, and Amazon (MME1 and MME2).

The event also benefitted from the support of wonderful volunteers from businesses, including EQUANS UK, Gateshead College and our very own Experts by Experience group who dedicated their time to help on the day. Lunch was provided for the players courtesy of Fat Hippo.

Team awards

After a day of footballing action it was Gentoo Group who came out on top, securing victory after a nail-biting final against Karbon Homes which ended 1-0.

Josh Sutton, Gentoo Customer Voice Partner who played in Gentoo’s winning team, said “The Oasis Cup is a fantastic event. I’ve played for two years running now and love the atmosphere. The event provides a brilliant opportunity for people of all footballing abilities to take part in a competitive, fun football tournament whilst raising money for a great cause.

“At Gentoo, we are proud to be part of events like this to strengthen partnerships with other people in the housing sector and get together to raise vital funds and awareness to tackle homelessness. We support Oasis Community Housings’ mission to deliver life changing support to people who are homeless and believe everyone has a right to a safe and secure home.  

“We’re all looking forward to playing again next year in the hope we can contribute to raising further funds and retain the trophy!”

Other awards were presented on the day including the Team Spirit Award which was deservedly won by the team from Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, and the Player of the Tournament and Top Goal Scorer which were both won by Tom Hunter from the excellent Gentoo Group team.

Unfortunately, it was the team from Naylors Gavin Black who took home the trophy nobody wanted – the dreaded ‘sweaty sock’ award!

What the support means

Hazel Ditchburn, Corporate Relationships Manager at Oasis Community Housing, explained that “The Oasis Cup is always such a special event for businesses in the region to come together, and 2024’s tournament was no different.

“As well as being a great day of football and fundraising there was also a real sense community. Without the involvement of these wonderful and generous businesses we would not be able to continue supporting the men, women and young people experiencing homelessness across our projects.”

Plans are already underway for The Oasis Cup 2025 which takes place on Friday 19 September. Does your business have what it takes to take home the trophy?

Find out more and enter your team here >>>

A Sunderland business has donated two bikes to local homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing to help the people the charity work with gain more independence.

The bikes were donated from St Peters Cycles as part of Sunderland Community Action Group, for two men living in the charity’s supported accommodation project.

Journeying out of homelessness

Stewart, struggling with the trauma he experienced as a child, mental health issues and addiction, found himself homeless and sleeping on the streets.

Almost 45% of people experiencing homelessness reported suffering trauma as a child, with 90% of people impacted by trauma going on to experience mental health or emotional difficulties.

After months of rough sleeping, he found our Basis Sunderland homeless drop-in centre where he received support thanks to your donations. Now in a much better place, and at an advanced stage on his journey out of homelessness, Stuart is now the proud owner of one of the bikes donated.

Over the moon with excitement about his new bike, Stuart explained, ‘It’s going to give me a bit of independence, get me out and about. It’s good for my mental health too.’

Richy Duggan, Project Manager at St Peters Cycles, delivered the bikes to Basis Sunderland explaining, ‘Through our partnership with Sunderland City Council, St Peters Cycle Hub is flourishing. We offer a range of specialist bike services to the city.

‘One of the services we offer is the recycled bike community scheme. Our dedicated team of trained cycle maintenance staff fix the bikes up which are donated to offer them back into the community for families and people in need of a bike for free.

‘When Oasis Community Housing approached us, and when we heard about what they are about, we were more than happy to help donate some bikes. We are just doing our bit to help out as it is a fantastic charity helping lots of people across our region.’

If you know of someone in need, our Basis Sunderland drop-in runs Monday to Friday and is held at Park Road Church, SR2 8HR.

Find out more about our work with local businesses and other corporate partners on our Workplace page.

In response to the Government’s latest homelessness statistics for England (released 30 April 2024), David Smith, CEO of homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing, said:

“These shocking figures show, once again, a rising number of people facing the daily crisis of homelessness – a 16% jump on the previous year.

“It is particularly concerning that so many single women with children, and those escaping domestic abuse, are facing homelessness through prevention and relief duties. We know the life-changing difference that specialist trauma-informed support can make through our own mother-and-baby projects and domestic abuse support services.

“UK Government needs to stop throwing a small amount of money at homelessness when it becomes an issue. It needs to ensure that money is spent upfront, more strategically.

“The need for more available, accessible housing is clear and something must be done. Yet we also know trauma and homelessness go hand-in-hand. 94 per cent of people experiencing homelessness have suffered trauma, such as domestic abuse. Ensuring trauma-informed support is embedded in all work with people facing homelessness would change everything.”

Last week Oasis Community Housing’s Experts-by-Experience co-production group organised a Spring Lunch for people experiencing homelessness and seeking support at the charity’s Basis Gateshead homeless drop-in centre.

Members of the group made an assortment of sweet treats, quiches and pies for the lunch that was enjoyed by more than 20 people including staff and the people they support. Oasis Community’s coporate partner Komatsu UK kindly funded the ingredients and food for lunch 

One attendee who enjoyed the lunch said: ‘I didn’t expect this at all, I only came in for a shower!’

A Co-Production creation

Cal Distin, Co-Production Worker at Oasis Community Housing, said, ‘The Experts by Experience group came up with the idea of the Spring Lunch and were instrumental in organising, preparing and delivering what was such a special event.

‘Times are really tough at the moment for everyone, especially those who are experiencing homelessness. The group’s eagerness to make a real difference by providing a meal for everyone to enjoy in the drop-in is testament to their drive to have a positive impact on their community.’

As part of our Crisis Service, the Basis homeless drop-ins provide the bedrock for our North East homelessness support. Last year the drop-ins in Gateshead and Sunderland helped people rough sleeping or in housing crisis on 5,278 occasions thanks to donations from generous supporters.

Giving something back

Davey, who attended the lunch as part of the co-production group, found himself sleeping on the streets after experiencing the trauma of a relationship breakdown and the loss of his son. He then found our Basis Gateshead homeless drop-in centre where he began working with staff to get back on his feet.

Read Davey’s full story here >

Keen to support people who are in the position he once found himself in, Davey joined the charity’s co-production group last year and is a regular attendee at the group’s bi-weekly meetings.

‘The co-production group came around through some of the staff here asking people who use the service to setup a group to work towards making the service better,’ said Davey.

‘Hopefully the group is helping, alongside Oasis Community Housing, to make things better for the future.’

Eager to support people who come through the drop-in doors, Davey explained how the Spring Lunch event came about: ‘We had been discussing as a co-production group about putting a Spring Lunch on. It’s just to give something back to the community, a free lunch for people who use the Basis Gateshead drop-in.

‘Most of the people that use the drop-in wouldn’t have got anything at all for Easter, whereas they’re getting a nice little treat just to make them feel a little bit happier.

‘It’s helping people to think they’re not alone out there. That there are people there to help.’

Find out more about the Co-Production group >

Isha, a former resident of our homelessness project in south London, has just celebrated gaining her British Citizenship.

Finding herself facing homelessness and in need of support, that’s where Oasis Community Housing came in.

Jen Gauden-Hand, Director of Housing at Oasis Community Housing and someone who has worked closely with Isha, was invited to the ceremony to celebrate the significant milestone.

‘I’ve known Isha for over 13 years, ever since she was first referred to our No.3 project after entering the UK a few months earlier,’ explained Jen.

‘I was her Support Worker, and have since stayed in contact with her supporting her on and off over the years, in different ways while working in different roles within Oasis Community Housing.

‘It’s been a long journey for her to get to this point, and it was an utter joy and privilege to see her, along with many others, from so many different countries, become British Citizens.

‘Straight after the ceremony I also supported Isha to apply for her first British passport and register to vote!’

Isha remains living in her own flat, in Southwark and is now working.

The No.3 project, in south London, was one of the first housing projects we set up as a homelessness charity thanks to your generosity, offering support to young women leaving the care system, refugees and others facing homelessness. Today the project has grown across the borough of Southwark and homes and supports 70 people each year.

You could support young people like Isha on their journey out of homelessness by signing up to become a regular giver today >

North East coffee company Durham Coffee Roasters have chosen to support local homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing for their newest charity coffee partnership.

The father and daughter team of Carina and Benhard are dedicated to creating high quality coffee in the heart of County Durham and have a positive impact on their community whilst doing it.

The limited-edition charity coffee, which is a single origin bean from a family run farm in Rwanda showcasing notes of sweet vanilla and raisin with a hint of orange blossom, highlights a different coffee to their core offering.

Carina, Director at Durham Coffee Roasters, explained: ‘We may only be a small business, but giving back to our community where possible has always been important to us. Our charity coffees allow us to do just that; we release an exciting new limited-edition coffee, and 20% of each bag sold gets donated to a charity supporting our local community.’

Past charity collaborations have seen Durham Coffee Roasters raise donations for County Durham Community Foundation, Durham Food Bank and St. Cuthberts Hospice.

The team at local homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing were thrilled to be chosen for their newest charity roast. Sarah Lister, self-proclaimed coffee lover and Chief Operating Officer at Oasis Community Housing, loved the taste and the care behind it.

‘At our drop-ins solving homelessness starts over a cuppa. It’s the first thing we offer when weary souls come through our doors. We feel incredibly blessed to be chosen by Durham Coffee Roasters for their charity roast. And what a great tasting roast it is!

What more fitting way to raise money to give to our charity, and for the people coming through our doors, giving them hope and a path away from homelessness. Thank you to Durham Coffee Roasters and a huge thank you to every kind and thoughtful person who chooses to buy one of their charity bags of coffee.’

A loving approach to coffee

Carina and Bernhard are committed to an ethical and environmentally conscious approach to making delicious coffee. Their coffee is speciality graded and sourced from a sustainable supply chain which can be traced back directly to the farm. Suppliers work in close partnership with the farmers to ensure highest quality, sustainability and fair prices. This leads to long-term relationships helping coffee farmers to build sustainable businesses.

One of the first to pioneer new and unique technology in the UK, Durham Coffee Roasters freshly hand roast 60kg of green beans in small batches on their 12kg Air Motion Roaster which creates an exceptional and pure tasting coffee. The proess is also better for the environment, showing the duo’s commitment to sustainability at every stage.

Joanne Armstrong, Community Fundraising Manager at Oasis Community Housing, was lucky enough to visit the roastery and try the freshly roasted beans.

‘It was wonderful meeting Carina and hearing about the care that goes into something we can all take for granted. Alongside her father Bernhard she has created a business that oozes commitment and thoughtfulness.

‘The coffee was of course gorgeous, made even more so by the love that has gone into every stage. From sourcing beans that supports the farming families and eco system, to roasting in an environmentally friendly and considered way, and making a difference to small charities in the community.

‘We can’t wait to see it on the shelves and are so thankful to be chosen as the newest charity partner’.

You can buy the Oasis Community Housing and Durham Coffee Roasters bag here and find out more about their ethos and products here.

Gateshead-based national contractor Meldrum Group come to the rescue to replace decrepit windows of our mother and baby homeless project.

The kindness of Meldrum Group means this specialist work to replace two of the windows of our Elizabeth House project which would have cost in excess of £4,000, has been generously completed free of charge.

Urgent work

Replacing the windows required the use of expensive, specially-manufactured timber frames and custom glass due to regulations on the preservation of the building.

The two unique, circular port-hole style windows had deteriorated so much that one of the bedrooms had to be closed entirely in October 2023.

Claire, a Senior Support Worker at Elizabeth House, explained: ‘We have been unable to use one of the rooms for over 3 months now due to the damage of these windows, as they have caused such a health and safety risk.

‘Closing a room has had a significant impact on the project as we still have vulnerable women and children being referred for our support regularly.  We are all so thrilled to be able to have the room available again and we already have people ready to move in as soon as the work is completed.

‘Elizabeth House staff, are overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of the Meldrum Group for organising and replacing the circular windows.’

As a Christian response to homelessness, we exist to reignite hope and a future for people experiencing homelessness across the areas we work including the North East, London and Peterborough. Part of the ‘Home’ programme, Elizabeth House provides supported accommodation for vulnerable young mothers and their babies in Gateshead.  

Continued support from a valued partner

Meldrum Group is a vibrant, dynamic and innovative company. Through their group of companies they are able to offer clients a fully integrated service; from planning and designing, to the civil engineering and construction of projects.

Ben Lambert, Customer Care Manger at Meldrum, explained: “When we heard about Oasis’s predicament and the loss of a much-needed room, we were only too happy to support. We couldn’t walk away from their situation, young mothers in need of space to raise their children and a heritage building that needed our specialist attention.

“There aren’t many Heritage Approved Contractors in the area that could replace the windows and we knew there were service users who need that vital space as soon as possible. Donating our time and materials free of charge has meant Oasis have been able to get the room fully functional and offer that safe space to a young mother and her children.

“Our charitable arm, Meldrum Foundation, has worked closely with Oasis for a number of years and we’re thrilled to be able to support such an amazing and worthy charity.”

Meldrum Group have been one of our key corporate partners for the past three years. Recently they have been a key supporter of the Giving a Home Christmas appeal, helping to raise in excess of £309,000 across 3 years to support people experiencing homelessness.

In addition, Meldrum staff have volunteered by gathering toiletries, food, and clothes for the people who come through our doors, and taken on a variety of physical fundraising challenges like the Great North Run and Hardmoors 55-Mile Ultra Marathon.

There is less than a year to go until the next general election. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to say to both the current and any future government: get real about homelessness.  

Currently, homelessness charities like Oasis Community Housing are effectively being forced to subsidise local governments who are shockingly under-funded and under resourced. According to Homeless Link, between 2010 and 2018 the amount of money that local authorities received for work with the homeless, dropped by a massive £1 billion.  

In that same period, most homelessness services – including ours – have not received inflationary increases for many parts of their work. So we’re being squeezed in every direction: the total funding available is being cut, contracts aren’t keeping up with inflation, and the need is growing. We’re effectively being asked to do the same amount (or more) for less money.  

I have every sympathy for local councils’ who are in impossible positions, they have been forced to rely on homelessness charities to stand in the gap and provide the services that should be the responsibility of government, whether it be local or national, this can’t continue. 

Caring for those experiencing and facing homelessness is not a nice-to-have extra in society: it is a vital building block of welfare. How we do this says a lot about who we are as a nation, and currently, we should be ashamed. 

Charities such as Oasis Community Housing are often treated as if we are commercial operations with considerable surpluses, and room to manoeuvre when it comes to subsiding homeless provision. We aren’t and we don’t, and that’s why we need the government to increase their funding to tackle homelessness. 

Around the country, homelessness charities are at a tipping point. They can no longer underwrite provision of care for the most vulnerable in society. And, you could argue, they should not be required to do so. Charities are essential for bringing hope to the most vulnerable people in society, seeing the worth in the people they support and working with them to rebuild their confidence. 

Therefore, my message to whoever is in government is this: take homelessness seriously. Provide for it fully through adequately supporting local authorities. Do not expect charities to do this job on our own. Homelessness charities are already being forced to cut back their work, and the cost of this – let alone the moral jeopardy – will come back out of the national purse as more and more people fall through the net into homelessness and personal crisis.  

We know that it’s far more cost-effective to help people find housing, to help them begin to tackle their trauma, than to see them become homeless. 

I recently signed a letter by Homeless Link, along with 36 other homelessness organisations, to Jeremy Hunt expressing the need to release more funding in the spring budget to help homelessness services stay afloat. The letter outlined that out of 120 homeless link providers 36% have already reduced their services to meet financial pressures, while 41% risk service closures imminently. 

Charities like Oasis Community Housing are the canary in the coal mine. Government needs to wake up and pay attention to them.  

David Smith, CEO Oasis Community Housing