A national charity based in the North East is celebrating 35 years of helping people in crisis transform their lives for the better.
From humble beginnings, when a small group of young Christians set out to provide affordable housing to Gateshead’s homeless, Oasis Community Housing is now making a monumental difference to the lives of around 2,000 vulnerable people every year. With established local projects in Gateshead and Sunderland, the charity will soon be extending its work into South Tyneside too.
“There are four main areas to what we do,” said Chief Executive David Smith.” Our work is about prevention and intervention which helps to address both the immediate needs and root causes of homelessness. We look at ways to help people improve their lives both physically and emotionally by offering tailored support that meets each individual where they are. Employability support helps those furthest from the job market to get back into employment. For those that are homeless we offer supported accommodation and drop-in centres and we also provide a programme of assistance for women affected by domestic violence. In short, we offer people hope, not homelessness, and with our help and expertise, empower the people we serve to help themselves gain long-term safety and independence.”
One such project helping to address the problems associated with homelessness are the charities two drop-in centres , Basis@Gateshead and Basis@Sunderland. Both offer sanctuary for men and women who are sleeping rough or are in housing crisis andoffer help and support that focuses on long-term solutions. Basis offers those in need a chance to shower, do their laundry, eat and get warm, but the project also offers pathways into housing, employment and a multitude of services that tackle systemic injustice, such as benefit sanctions and illegal evictions.
The programme has also broadened to include other initiatives including Help to Rent, Help through Crisis, Basis Beds, Fulfilling Lives, and the Social Impact Bond team.
It’s not all crisis and reactive work either, Oasis Community Housing project teams have started a pop-up choir, a baking club and art classes to engage with people and offer a small piece of fun and enjoyment to those that normally wouldn’t get the chance.
Mr Smith added: “We’ve welcomed and helped more than 5,000 individuals at our Basis centres and we never judge anyone that walks through our doors, whatever their story. Our team are there to help and support and get people back on track with their lives.
“Life has become more complicated for many of us in recent years, and this is particularly true for the people we serve. Mental health, addiction, government austerity and local council cuts are squeezing people who cannot cope with any more pressure in their lives. Thanks to the help we receive from all our supporters, we can tackle this and continue to do what we are good at – getting people back on track and fulfilling their potential.”
The charity is hosting its 35thanniversary fund raising dinner on Thursday, December 5that The Hilton Gateshead Newcastle. As part of the event, they are asking anyone who has a story to tell about how Oasis (Or Aquila Way – their previous name) has helped them or changed their lives to contact them. More details about the event from Tinyurl.com/Oasis35th
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Photo shows: Alison Goulding and Joanne Armstrong from the charity at the Angel of the North and Penshaw Monument (For You Photography)
To find out more, follow Oasis Community Housing on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram or email bdu@oasiscommunityhousing.org
Press and media Keith@highlightspr.co.uk07814 397951