The generosity of North East businesses and volunteers has seen 130 Christmas meals to people facing homelessness this week at Oasis Community Housing’s Gateshead and Sunderland drop-ins.
In the run up to Christmas, over 185 food boxes and snacks will also be given out to people facing homelessness during early morning outreach or to those who live in Oasis Community Housing’s supported housing, thanks to Greggs and Gateshead-based charity Feeding Families. The food boxes contain a wide range of items including ready meals, tinned vegetables, puddings and selection boxes.
With households facing homelessness at an all-time high and an increasing number of people sleeping rough, Oasis Community Housing’s two drop-in centres alone have helped men and women who are sleeping rough almost 4,900 times this past year.
This week, 130 people attended the homeless charity’s drop-in centres for a sit-down Christmas dinner with crackers and all the trimmings. Volunteers from local businesses Muckle LLP, Meldrum Construction, Kier Group, Simpson Group and Calvary Christian Fellowship donated food, helped cook and serve all meals – with the Hebburn pub, The Mill Tavern, providing Gateshead meals served at the drop-in and for delivery to people living in the charity’s supported accommodation projects.
Sarah Gorman, Oasis Community Housing’s Chief Executive, explains, “This year, we’ve seen increasing numbers of people coming through our doors. Tough economic times are pushing people to the brink and, for those already sleeping on the streets, our teams are always particularly concerned during the cold winter months.
“The men, women and young people who we support often refer to us as ‘family’ and coming together to share love and laughter – as well as opening doors to those in need – is what Christmas is all about. So, we’re hoping these festive meals and food parcels, in addition to our usual services, will help spread Christmas cheer and create some special memories.”
Other North East businesses and individuals including Muckle LLP, Cash4Kids and Calvary Christian Fellowship have donated gifts to ensure the 1,300 people supported by the homeless charity will receive a personal present this Christmas.
To support your local homeless charity this Christmas, visit our Giving a Home Appeal website.