Thanks to an amazing show of support for our Her Way Home appeal from the local community, we’re delighted to share that our new Women’s Project house will open its doors to residents in February 2026.
Last week, we marked this important milestone with two opening events, welcoming representatives from the council, partner organisations, local businesses, charitable trusts and donors who have helped make the project possible. It was a chance to say thank you and show just how far the house has come.
Following the opening event, Vipesh Mistry, Projects Manager at CRASH Charity (who supported the project) said: “The house itself is truly impressive. It’s honestly one of the best examples of supported accommodation we’ve ever seen.”
When it opens, the house will provide safe, stable accommodation for eight women, twice as many as we’re currently able to house in a single-sex environment. It will form part of our Women’s Project, which is designed to respond to the unique and additional challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness.
From vision to reality – a community effort
The property was purchased in October 2025, thanks to a generous legacy donation alongside funds raised through our Her Way Home appeal. Since receiving the keys, our Property & Facilities team has been hard at work transforming the house into a place that feels warm and welcoming.
Renovation work has included fresh paint and new flooring throughout, a brand-new kitchen, all new furniture and the installation of CCTV. Katie Finch, our Head of Property & Facilities, explained how important it was to get every detail right:
“With every choice, from paint colours to materials, we had the future residents in mind. Our environment can have a huge impact on our sense of wellbeing, and the women who will live here have been through so much. It was so important to us to get it right – to create a space that feels safe, dignified and empowering.”
This project has only been possible thanks to incredible generosity from individuals, fundraisers and partners. Renovation and furnishing work was supported by funding from the Fine & Country Foundation, Pye Charitable Settlement, CRASH – The Construction Industry’s Charity, and the Dalgleish Trust.
We were also incredibly grateful for in-kind donations and professional support from many wonderful local businesses. M&M Waste Solutions donated a skip for the project, Dorchester Living donated a fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, and TV, JT Interiors provided invaluable pro bono interior design services, and CRASH Charity’s Corporate Patron Dulux Decorator Centre provided paint for the rooms.
Our Head of Fundraising & Communications, Liza Clothier has been blown away by this show of support:
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this project possible, from our donors to our partners and supporters in the local community. I was delighted to show many of them around the new house at the opening event last week, and everyone was amazed by the transformation!”
What’s next?
The opening of this house is just the first step in our plans to improve outcomes for women experiencing homelessness in Oxfordshire. We are continuing to fundraise to recruit dedicated staff, fund specialist services, and establish a move-on fund to help women settle into their own homes when they’re ready to live independently.
To find out more about the appeal, and our plans to bring housing, healing and hope to more women who are experiencing homelessness in Oxfordshire, visit Her Way Home.
