The charity’s Chief Executive, David Smith, said: “2020 was tough for all of us so to have raised so much during such challenging times is incredibly humbling and speaks to the generosity of businesses, churches and individuals in the region. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them.
“Every penny raised for Oasis Community Housing goes towards the most vulnerable in our communities, so this sum will make a life-changing difference; offering a sense of warmth, safety and belonging to the people we support every year.”
The £32,865 raised means the charity appeal has been able to move 16 gingerbread people into its virtual gingerbread house. More importantly, these 16 gingerbread people represent the real people who the charity will now be able to offer comprehensive ‘wrap around’ support – food, warmth, medicines, counselling and safe, secure, supported accommodation – helping them on their journey towards getting a home of their own.
Izzie, who appeared in the Giving A Home appeal video, was one of those people who Oasis Community Housing helped throughout 2020: “I got referred to Oasis Community Housing from the domestic abuse team and that’s when Jules called me. Straight away she helped. Within a couple of weeks, me and the kids were into supported accommodation – and now we have our own place.
“Jules has helped me through everything. Even after I didn’t need her, she was always there. Oasis Community Housing, they just do too much for people …”
Karbon Homes was one of the first businesses to get involved in the charity’s 2020 appeal. Paul Fiddaman, Group Chief Executive of Karbon Homes, which owns and manages affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire, said: “After a year when we have learnt anew how much a comfortable home means to us, it’s important that we continue tackling the blight of homelessness in our country
“We were very happy to support the Giving a Home appeal, providing funds to help Oasis with its vital work.”
Another business that has provided a whole year of support for someone facing homelessness is SmartIT. Their Managing Director, Tony Wilson, said, “Oasis Community Housing is a charity close to our hearts at Smart IT, we have always admired the hard work and dedication of the organisation and its volunteers.
“We are delighted to see the success of the ‘Giving a Home’ campaign bringing hope to those facing homeless.
“We are just so happy that we could play a small part in helping to achieve you this amazing accomplishment and looking forward to supporting the charity over the coming year wherever we can.”
Every year Oasis Community Housing works with 2,000 men, women and vulnerable families who are homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless delivering crisis intervention, aid for survivors of domestic abuse, a unique residential project for mums and babies who need intensive help to stay together and programmes that work with those furthest from the job market.
Visit our ‘What we do’ pages to find out more about the charity’s work.