Latest news
All the latest homelessness news from Oasis Community Housing.
For media enquiries, please contact Communications Manager Andrew.Horton@oasiscommunityhousing.org

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.

Businesses raise £9,500 to support people experiencing homelessness at annual charity football tournament The Oasis Cup 2023
North East businesses raise vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness by competing in annual charity football tournament The Oasis Cup

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.

Businesses win shared value awards for their efforts to tackle homelessness
Businesses receive shared value awards for their support of homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing during ceremony at the Black & Gold Ball.

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.

International Women’s Day: celebrating our staff
On this International Women’s Day 2023, Oasis Community Housing celebrates the wonderful women who work for the local homelessness charity

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.

New Peterborough project to support families of Ukrainian refugees
Families of Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed by Oasis Community Housing into a brand new project in Peterborough

Giving a Home Christmas charity appeal raises £106,000 for homeless
Thanks to your generosity, our Giving a Home Christmas Appeal raised more than £100K this year, funding our vital homelessness services across the UK

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.

All donations doubled for homeless Christmas Appeal, thanks to backing of local businesses
One donation, twice the impact as all donations are doubled for our homeless Christmas Appeal between 29 Nov – 6 Dec.

International Men’s Day: celebrating our charity staff
This International Men’s Day, we speak to some of our longest serving members of staff about why they’re so dedicated to the charity

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

Alex wants to thank you!
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.

Charity football match raises vital funds for people facing homelessness
Over 180 footballers have raised a phenomenal £12,500 for local people facing homelessness at our annual Oasis Cup

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.

Businesses receive ‘shared value’ awards in recognition of charity support
20 businesses have been presented Shared Value Awards by Patron BBC’s Rev Kate Bottley at our annual Black and Gold Ball.

Finding a job – and following your dreams
When Dylan found himself unemployed he contacted our charity’s Aspire team, to help him follow the career path he’d always longed for.

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.

Preventing homelessness with seeds of hope
William says he’s a ‘ray of sunshine’ after two decades’ hard-won fight against alcoholism. Today you’ll find him in our charity garden with wellbeing coach Irene.

“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

International Women’s Day: celebrating our charity staff
Celebrating the women, who have – over their collective 73 years – helped the women our homelessness charity supports, this International Women’s Day.

Black & Gold Charity Ball
Black & Gold Charity Ball - A Light Shining in the Darkness At Oasis Community Housing we believe that when our communities come together lives...

Homeless help: the Good Samaritan
Ryan, a resident in our homelessness services, hadn’t planned to play Good Samaritan – but knows the value of someone who’s there to help.

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 –...

Jaimie and the charity urban garden
Our urban garden project started with a desire to make things a little nicer and it grew (pardon the pun) into a garden full of life. It’s been a...

Mothering the mothers
Becoming a mother is a turning point for many of us, and we all need a little mothering ourselves. That's not easy when you're a mother facing...

Promoting women’s worth
Gateshead domestic abuse charity helps women find their worth again.

Giving mothers the hope they need
Oasis Community Housing gives mothers in Gateshead the hope they need. Donate today and you can give hope too. No mother should be left alone or...

Mark’s pond gave him hope to find a home
After a relationship breakdown and mental health crisis Mark* found himself homeless. He was placed in numerous hostels and hotels but without the...

The Big Give: construction and housing giants help homelessness Christmas appeal
Tolent and other companies’ support means all donations to our Giving a Home appeal will be doubled as part of Big Give week.

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...

Safeguarding Adults Week: the right to live a life free from harm
Phil Conn, Director of Programmes, appointed new Independent Chair of Gateshead Safeguarding Adults Board.

Employers’ domestic abuse help may save lives, says new Trustee
Fiona Bowman speaks with first-hand experience about what more workplaces can do to help employees who may be at risk

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.

The Oasis Cup Charity Football Tournament
Friday was the launch of The Oasis Cup a charity football tournament. 10 teams from across the region competed for the illustrious first place, team...

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...

Why The 58:7 Project?
Oasis Community Housing has opened its first same-day emergency accommodation. A six-bed property that has round-the-clock support staff and which...

Charity’s support for mums gives hope to Alice
Mums find hope with Oasis Community Housing Oasis Community Housing have two mother and baby units in Southwark, providing homes for 10 mothers and...

Walk, run or cycle for charity in 2021
This July we are inspired by some of the incredible challenges people are setting themselves across the UK. Raising vitals fund to help us continue...

Unique homelessness ‘shelter’ opens in Gateshead
“The pandemic flagged the need for emergency homelessness accommodation now more than ever. It made us realise there needs to be something...

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...

Garden Party get-togethers in aid of homeless
A Summer of Oasis Garden Parties People across the UK are signing up to host an Oasis Garden Party to raise money to help people facing...

The Foyer: “A foundation for where I am today”
Former residents, staff – past and present – partners and supporters have joined together to mark the closure of Oasis Community Housing’s...

Peckham homeless project: Skye’s story
No.3 is our Peckham homeless project; one of our supported accommodation projects for young women who are facing homelessness. This 16 bed property...

Charity staff and the people it helps create urban garden at homeless drop-in
Homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing has received a £5,000 grant to create an urban garden outside of their Gateshead ‘Basis’ drop-in...

No.3 homeless project: Lucy’s story
"I absolutely loved living here, it really made me come out of my shell and be more confident,” says Lucy*, who found herself homeless and moved...

Charity awards celebrate ‘shared value’ of corporate partnerships
19 businesses from across the UK have been presented Shared Value Awards by homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing, in recognition of their...

Nick Salisbury announced as charity Chair of Trustees
Nick Salisbury is appointed charity Chair of Trustees at Oasis Community Housing, a UK charity for people facing homelessness. Nick comes to the...

New rooms helps Naomi feel like “real home”
Young women at our Naomi project in Gateshead are enjoying a beautiful new rooms thanks to funding from The Bluestone Collaborative and The Vardy...

Socially conscious company donates over 600 clothes items
OutsideIn is a clothing company that gives back. Donating an item for every item bought with their 'Wear One, Share One' scheme. Even during Summer,...

Basis drop-in hosts TOLO clothes donation initiative
Back in early January, Iain Lane, a 35 year old Sunderland local, begun a Take One Leave One scheme offering free clothing to help keep Sunderland’s...

Charity run Land’s End to John O’Groats brings hope to homeless
Crystal Hicks, a 33 year old mum of twins from Whickham, Gateshead, has pledged to do a charity run from Land’s End to John O’Groats this year to...

Great sadness at The Foyer homeless project closure
In June, homeless charity Oasis Community Housing will see the closure of its Croydon project, The Foyer. For 21 years The Foyer has provided...

COVID vaccine roll out reaches rough sleepers
Rough sleepers and people experiencing homelessness are to receive their COVID vaccine at Oasis Community Housing’s Gateshead drop-in centre, after...

Female leaders empower women facing homelessness
“It’s all about empowering women; getting involved and using our skills to help other women and girls. No.3 gives us that opportunity,” says...

Domestic Abuse Bill a positive move forward
Oasis Community Housing has joined the many voices welcoming the news that legislation around domestic and intimate abuse is being strengthened to...

One year of lockdown: delivering belonging and belief
This month marks one year since the UK’s first lockdown began – prompting the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative that moved almost 15,000 rough...

Coping with COVID: Poorest hardest hit by digital exclusion
Oasis Community Housing is rolling out the next phase of its response to the impact of COVID-19, as the charity strives to continue offering the...

Giving A Home charity appeal raises £33,000 for homeless
In one of the toughest years in living memory, Oasis Community Housing’s Giving A Home charity appeal has managed to raise £33,000 to support people...

UK’s oldest road race helps raise £1k for homelessness charity
The oldest road race in the UK has been cancelled for only the second time in 109 years this winter, due to COVID-19 restrictions, prompting...

COVID-19: Delivering front line services in a ‘new normal’
Everyone In, the Government initiative moving rough sleepers into temporary accommodation, received widespread publicity during the first COVID-19...

New Year, new lockdown: Exercise time?
A New Year and a new Lockdown means many people are considering how to reinvigorate their Lockdown exercise habits, to help keep mind and body...

Calls for frontline homelessness workers to receive priority COVID vaccine too
Oasis Community Housing has joined calls for staff working with people experiencing homelessness to be treated as a priority occupation for the...

Giving a Home: Selma’s story
Freezing cold, hunger and often horrendous levels of abuse; homelessness is a devastating experience. Now, in Lockdown 3, many of the vital services...