Latest news
All the latest homelessness news from Oasis Community Housing.
For media enquiries, please contact Communications Manger, Amy Waddell: amy.waddell@oasiscommunityhousing.org
Steph McGovern judges gingerbread contest for homelessness
TV presenter Steph McGovern helped judge the North-East’s biggest gingerbread competition, organised by Oasis Community Housing in aid of people facing homelessness this Christmas.
North East businesses serve 130 Christmas dinners to people facing homelessness
NE businesses and volunteers served Christmas meals to people facing homelessness at Oasis Community Housing’s charity drop-ins
Homelessness charity CEO announced
Christian homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing has appointed Sarah Gorman, one of its first project workers, as its new charity CEO
Housing First helps provide the ‘normal’ people crave
Housing First support worker, Louise, reflects on a fantastic trip to the cinema to celebrate Max’s recovery and detox.
Record number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness, this World Homeless Day
New figures reveal heartbreaking rise in the number of people dying while homeless.
TV’s Steph McGovern joins judges of Gingerbread competition supporting homelessness
Our favourite festive competition returns inviting local businesses to deploy their best bakers and builders to help raise awareness of homelessness.
First women’s homeless census for the North East
Oasis Community Housing joins partners in delivering the first Women’s Homeless Census in the North East.
New trustees to support charity’s response to rising homelessness
Tara Allen, Natasha Gray and Alex Pitcher join homelessness charity board.
The reality of trying to find work when homeless
After years of experience, our frontline worker Shona shares her insight into the challenges facing people trying to find work when homeless
Epic new charity challenge event launches
Inviting South England businesses to take on bold challenges, raise vital funds and be in with a chance to win the Origin Challenge Trophy!
‘Basis Sunderland was the one constant in my life’
After rough sleeping, Kevin found hope at Basis Sunderland. Now, he’s rebuilding his life and cherishing fatherhood.
Charity celebrates corporate support with social impact awards
Almost 250 people gathered at Oasis Community Housing’s Black & Gold Ball to celebrate the presentation of the charity’s social impact awards.
‘They saved my life’: Dylan’s journey from homelessness to hope
Hungry and at rock bottom, Dylan thankfully found our Gateshead drop-in. Weeks later, after accessing the drop-in every day, he’s full of hope.
Charity art project celebrates new beginnings at Shipley Art Gallery
Poignant artwork created by our Experts by Experience group is now on display at Shipley Art Gallery as part of a free exhibition
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Co-production: more than just a buzzword
What is co-production? Why is it important? How do we ensure the voices of the people we support and have supported are heard?
Random Act of Kindness Day: Sharing a smile can do more than you think
Anna from our Housing First team shares how small acts can make a life-changing difference to people who are rough sleeping.
Christmas homeless appeal raises over £130,000
Generous individuals, businesses and churches help raise over £130,000 to support people during Oasis Community Housing’s Giving a Home Christmas appeal.
Community effort helps homeless charity deliver more meals than ever this Christmas
More than 60 people have attended homeless charity Oasis Community Housing’s drop-in centres for a sit-down Christmas dinner.
Renovation of Sunderland homeless drop-in thanks to Equans and Isoler
Equans leads £8,000 of social value activity during renovation of shower facilities at city’s only homeless drop-in.
Judges wowed by first Gingerbread Street competition
“The quality of the entries just takes the biscuit!” said Phil Jones from Lovell, alongside fellow judges George Clarke and Gregg’s Roisin Currie.
New homeless charity trustees appointed amidst growing need
This Trustees Week (4 – 8 November), homeless charity Oasis Community Housing announces the appointment of two new trustees to help steer the...
New Houghton project helps people facing homelessness
Local homeless charity Oasis Community Housing and Sunderland City Council partner to see a new Houghton project provide flats for people facing homelessness.
Businesses raise £10,400 to support people experiencing homelessness at The Oasis Cup 2024
North East businesses raise vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness by competing in annual football tournament, The Oasis Cup.
Food packs ‘so beneficial’ to people sleeping rough
Oasis Community Housing and Feeding Families are partnering to provide toiletry and food packs to people facing homelessness, in addition to usual support.
Sarah Lister becomes Acting CEO for homeless charity
Sarah Lister will become the charity’s Acting Chief Exec, following David Smith’s election to Parliament.
Over 100 organisations write to party leaders
119 organisations have written to party leaders, urging whoever forms the next government to tackle migrant homelessness.
Poneh’s story: ‘He didn’t live with me but he controlled me’
There are many reasons someone might end up facing homelessness. Poneh’s estranged husband tormented, harassed and abused her for over a decade.
Charity awards given to local businesses
46 businesses have won charity awards at our flagship fundraising event, the Black & Gold Ball.
Bikes donated to support people facing homelessness
Bikes donated by local business to support the mental wellbeing and independence of people facing homelessness in Sunderland.
Karis Mother and Baby project: Sarah’s story
Karis is one of Oasis Community Housing’ three Mother and Baby projects, located in Gateshead and London, providing supported accommodation for...
Response to the Government’s latest homelessness statistics for England
CEO David Smith responds to the most recent homelessness statistics for England (April 30th 2024)
Spring Lunch held for people experiencing homelessness
Spring Lunch, organised by Charity’s Co-production group, held at Basis Gateshead homeless drop-in centre for people accessing the service.
Former homelessness project resident celebrates getting to call UK ‘home’
Isha, a former resident of our homelessness project in south London, celebrates gaining her British Citizenship.
Criminal Justice Bill risks dehumanising and criminalising rough sleepers
New legislation, which is to replace the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act, proposes new powers to fine or even imprison rough sleepers.
Durham Coffee Roasters create charity roast to support local homelessness charity
Limited-edition charity coffee created by Durham Coffee Roasters to support the work of Oasis Community Housing in bringing hope to people facing homelessness.
Windows replaced on mother and baby homeless project thanks to National Contractor
National contractor and long-term supporters Meldrum Group generously replace windows on our Elizabeth House mother and baby project free of charge.
A warning to government: take homelessness seriously
CEO Blog: Homelessness is an incredibly important issue and the government needs to take it seriously.
North East manufacturer to support local homelessness charity in unique partnership
Komatsu choose Oasis Community Housing as their charity partner in a unique three-year partnership, to help bring hope to people facing homelessness.
‘Little things can lead to big changes’: How we support people through financial capability
Financial capability and inclusion: How we support people experiencing homelessness with learning to managing their personal finances.
Together we can be a light in the darkness
Together, we can be the light in the darkness for people experiencing homelessness throughout 2024 and beyond. David Smith, CEO, shares his thoughts.
Forget the tinsel, Christmas is about homelessness
CEO David Smith shares his thoughts as we head into the festive period. A time of most incredible hope for people experiencing homelessness.
North-East businesses support Christmas lunches for people facing homelessness
Annual Christmas lunch events at our Basis Gateshead and Sunderland homeless drop-in centres feed 40 people thanks to support from local businessses.
Local businesses give big to support people facing homelessness this Christmas
Donations to support people experiencing homelessness made during Big Give week (28 November – 5 December) doubled thanks to match funding from local businesses
CEO Blog: The times they are a-changing
A month on from our Labour Party Conference fringe, CEO David Smith shares his reflections on the day, and looks to the future.
Giving a Home Christmas appeal: Support people on their journey out of homelessness this Christmas
We need your help to support people on their journey out of homelessness this Christmas. Support the Giving a Home Christmas appeal today.
From London to Gateshead: Walking 385 miles to support people experiencing homelessness
Oasis Community Housing supporter, Philip, raises over £1,500 to support people experiencing homelessness by walking 385 miles from South London to Gateshead
Teeing off in style: Lovell Partnerships (North East) hosts charity golf day raising over £10,500 for North East homelessness charity
Lovell Partnerships (North East) raises over £10,500 for local homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing through hosting a charity golf day.
Oasis Community Housing host fringe event at the Labour Party conference 2023 to discuss the relationship between trauma and homelessness
On Homelessness Sunday Oasis Community Housing held a fringe event at the Labour Party conference focused on trauma.
Labour Party fringe focuses on homelessness
On Homelessness Sunday, 8th October, we will be hosting a Labour Party fringe event in Liverpool to discuss the link between trauma and homelessness.
Homelessness Sunday: Reverend Mark Bryant shares how Christians can support people facing homelessness
Former Bishop of Jarrow Reverend Mark Bryant shares how Christians can make a difference this Homelessness Sunday.
North East branches of Reed in Partnership donate clothes and essential items to support people experiencing homelessness
North East offices of Reed in Partnership each fundraise to buy clothes and essentials for Oasis Community Housing’s Basis Gateshead and Sunderland homeless drop-ins.
Chief Operating Officer from North-East based print company completes Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds to support the homeless.
Northern Print Solutions Chief Operating Officer took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds to support people facing homelessness.
When there’s no place to call home: Abena’s story
Abena was a young child when her parents separated. With no fixed place to call home, she was homeless.
Rough sleeping in Gateshead: Davey’s story
After rough sleeping in Gateshead for three years, Davey found Oasis Community Housing’s Basis homeless drop-in where he began to journey out of homelessness
When the world comes to watch, what happens to those experiencing homelessness?
As a summer of sport ends, the relationship between homelessness and global sporting events once again comes into question.
Walking from London to Gateshead to raise vital funds to tackle homelessness
Philip, co-founder of Aquila Housing Association, now Oasis Community Housing to fundraise for the charity by walking from London to Gateshead.
‘Ta-da day’ art showcase event celebrates the creativity of people we support
Our co-production group, made up of people that we support, held an art showcase at our Basis Gateshead Homeless drop-in.
Join us on Homelessness Sunday: Making a difference together
October 8th 2023 is Homelessness Sunday. Here is how your church can make a difference to the lives of people facing homelessness.
We’re calling on the government to end rough sleeping
The government will likely fail in their promise to end rough sleeping by 2024. Our CEO David Smith discusses why this can’t happen.
World Refugee Day 2023 – Mobarak’s story
On World Refugee Day 2023 Mobarak shares his story. After fleeing war in Sudan, Mobarak found hope at our no.3 project in Southwark.
North East charity to receive year-long support from Lovell Partnerships
North East charity Oasis Community Housing has been chosen by Lovell Partnerships to be their charity of the year, starting a year of support.
Why money talks when tackling homelessness
CEO of Oasis Community Housing believes the government needs to invest more in people to tackle trauma and end homelessness.
Homelessness: what should the next government do about it?
CEO of Oasis Community Housing, David Smith shares his thoughts on what the next government must do to tackle homelessness and trauma.
Rough Sleepers remembered this World Poetry Day
Chris Moad of Oasis Community Housing has written a poem about someone facing homelessness to mark World Poetry Day.
Stabbed whilst sleeping rough: John’s story
John was afraid to sleep at night after being stabbed whilst rough sleeping. A spiral of trauma and mental health issues left him homeless.
Mortgage broker partners with North East homelessness charity
Approved a Mortgage Solutions have partnered with North East homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing offering, offering a discount to the charity’s supporters.
Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE) launches new brand
Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE), a partnership of thirteen north east housing providers, have launched new branding.
Developer Modo Bloc supports North East homelessness charity
Newcastle based property developer Modo Bloc announces partnership with North East homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing.
Not sure how to help someone rough sleeping?
Ever wondered what to do when you see a rough sleeper? Streetlink provides an excellent service for reporting rough sleeper sightings.
Christmas Dinner for homeless drop-ins thanks to local businesses
60 rough sleepers and others in housing crisis joined our drop-ins’ annual Christmas Dinner, after two years absence due to the pandemic.
Local medics to help homelessness services this winter
A Gateshead GP has started a weekly clinic to treat people experiencing homelessness at our Gateshead drop-in centre.
Homeless in Sunderland
Joe’s is a story of life and death. Joe was homeless in Sunderland, sleeping in a tent. His journey nearly ended on the Wear bridge. It was a...
Lizzie’s story: homeless and afraid
Lizzie was alone, homeless and afraid. Sleeping on cold concrete floors in corners, in abandoned buildings and dark alleys. Her coat pulled up as a...
Domestic abuse in pregnancy: how Emily found hope
Emily escaped domestic abuse in pregnancy and, thanks to our Empower service, is now living the life she’d hoped for
Charity calls on Government to tackle trauma to help end homelessness
Our new research, by Northumbria University, reveals 94% people facing homelessness have suffered trauma. Without addressing this, efforts to end homelessness are futile
‘I’ll sparkle sleeping under the stars tonight’
I’m a DJ you know!” declared Alex* the first time he came to the homeless drop-in. Keen to make an impression, Alex masked his anxiety with bravado....
World Homeless Day: what can you do?
Earlier this year, figures showed homelessness on the rise. This World Homelessness Day, join us in praying, sharing or giving to help people facing homelessness.
Emergency accommodation project helps 60 men out of homelessness in first year
Our six-bed property has been at full capacity since opening 12 months ago, supported 95% of residents into longer term accommodation
Homelessness sector writes Open Letter to next Prime Minister
Oasis Community Housing has joined almost 30 homelessness charities in signing an Open Letter to Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, calling on the next...
Homelessness rising as cost of living crisis continues
“These figures are a stark and sad reminder of the high numbers of people our frontline teams are seeing” says our Director of Programmes.
New Director for homelessness charity services
Social housing and regeneration expert Carolyn Wood has been appointed new Director of UK homelessness charity, Oasis Community Housing.
Home Safe win for Basis Beds project in Homeless Link Excellence Awards
Basis Beds houses people who have been sleeping rough or in housing crisis, with the project winning one of just 4 national awards
Charity team leader wins Women In Housing Award
Jaimee Hendry, who leads our Southwark service, has been recognised as a sector trailblazer for her work with young people facing homelessness.
“Homelessness can happen to anyone”
Mandy, now a support worker with our 58:7 project, shares her own homelessness experience to give hope to others.
Charity Golf Day raises vital funds for local people facing homelessness
72 golfers took on Wynyard’s championship course, raising over £6,750 for the charity’s life-changing work
Women’s homelessness project given £100K renovation thanks to property partnership
Our Peckham project feels “much more homely” following much-needed renovation by LandAid and Bowman Riley.
Gateshead FC supports homeless charity
Football champions Gateshead FC give the gift of free football tickets, and community spirit, to residents at our emergency accommodation project.
“I had to get to my Mum”
Emily was 32 weeks pregnant when her relationship became a place that wasn’t safe for her and her unborn child, she knew she had to get out.
New charity Trustees appointed to help amplify impact for people facing homelessness
With expertise in the media, advocacy and innovative financing, Oasis Community Housing welcomes new Trustees
How far do homeless people walk? Walk a mile in their shoes
People who sleep rough walk between 10 and 15 miles every day. This Lent, join us in raising awareness and funds for people facing homelessness.
AkzoNobel gives “life line” fund for domestic abuse service
Charities and services highlight fears of a continuing escalation in domestic abuse over the Christmas period.
How Cynthia found hope
From living in London, homeless, Cynthia found hope thanks to our supporters. “There’s no denying that there is a stigma about homeless people –...
Charity joins 16 days of action as 1 in 3 homeless women face domestic abuse
Join us in raising awareness of domestic abuse this White Ribbon Day, as we enter 16 days of activism against gender-based violence
Our domestic abuse team: a day in the life
Our Empower Team is our domestic abuse service working in Gateshead to provide women with the support they need to recover and move beyond the...
Homelessness drop in centres in the heart of our cities
How do you start your day off right, breakfast and a cuppa? Our homeless drop in centre staff know there are lots of little things we take for...
Homelessness rising ahead of World Homeless Day
This Homelessness Sunday, please join us and others across the world in raising awareness of everyone who is facing homelessness.
Prioritise rough sleeping support to avoid ‘cliff edge’
In a letter to MPs, CEO David Smith calls on the government to continue prioritising rough sleeping services, matching the enhanced investment made during COVID-19.
Basis Beds: Housing First for those in crisis
Basis Beds is a project Oasis Community Housing began in 2013 to meet the housing needs of those in crisis. Working alongside local authorities,...
Told he would never cycle again, Andy takes on the 100 steepest climbs challenge
58 year old Sheffield local, Andy Cribb, cycled over 5,000 kilometers. Taking on the 100 Climbs cycle challenge in July covering some of the world’s...
Great North Run training with a novice runner
Our Head of Programmes Response, Claire Temple signed up to complete the Great North Run. A complete running novice she shares how she's found her...
