About us
Homeless Oxfordshire provides an open door for people whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; offering safety, stability and support when it is needed most.
Simon Hewett-Avison (CEO)
Not only are we the largest provider of accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in Oxfordshire, but we also provide a wide range of specialist support services beyond bricks and mortar.
Our residents are mothers, brothers, aunties, cousins. They are artists, cooks, teachers, veterans. They have experienced trauma, disadvantage, discrimination and social exclusion, and our support enables them to rebuild their lives.
As a charity, we rely on donations, support and funding from the public and corporations to continue delivering our vital services.
Carli's Story
Trigger warning: Please be aware some viewers may find the issues raised in this video distressing. Contains mention of drug use, suicide, domestic abuse and childhood trauma.
Why our work is needed
The people most in need of our services have experienced trauma throughout their lives. This often starts with abuse and neglect in childhood and continues with mental and physical health challenges in adulthood.
Accessing the services they need can also be a struggle in an expensive county with a lack of affordable housing, insecurity in employment and reduced welfare provision. As homelessness across the country and the county continues to rise, all our services are in high demand.
Homeless Oxfordshire is often the only organisation able to accommodate and support people whose complex needs result from severe trauma and disadvantage. We see everyone as individuals, we don’t discriminate, and we don’t give up on people – there is always the potential for things to be different.
Our story
For over 35 years, Homeless Oxfordshire has been supporting people across the county.
1985
The beginning
Our beginning was humble. In an old school building named the Oxford Night Shelter, we began providing emergency overnight accommodation to anyone rough sleeping in the city.
1989
Housing and support
The organisation, later known as Oxford Homeless Pathways, began offering a range of services and support to people experiencing homelessness, helping them regain and maintain independence.
2005
New improved hostel
Our new purpose-built hostel, O’Hanlon House, was constructed, allowing us to greatly improve the services we offer to vulnerable people who would otherwise be living on the streets.
2017
Our new identity
The newly renamed Homeless Oxfordshire reflected our move to a more county-wide offering, with new projects in Cherwell.
2023 >
Our next chapter
Today, Homeless Oxfordshire’s specialist range of services, along with the safety and stability of our accommodation, help rebuild lives shaped by trauma and disadvantage.
Our team
Our skilled team, many of whom have lived experience of homelessness, work to challenge stigma, systems and discrimination. We respond with kindness and compassion to the needs of those who are most marginalised, making a real difference to their lives.
Our Strategy
Our 2024-2027 strategy sets out our vision for the future and priority areas we intend to measure and develop.
The positive impact of the work we do at Homeless Oxfordshire is felt by individuals countywide. As we move into a new and exciting time for the charity, it is an opportune moment to both take stock and to look ahead.
