Funding sought for initiative that could help end rough sleeping in Oxfordshire

During the pandemic, councils and voluntary organisations in Oxfordshire were moved to find temporary accommodation for over 200 people who were sleeping rough. They were immediately safer, and were then able to take practical steps to start rebuilding their lives.

The success of this intervention proves that it is possible to end homelessness in Oxfordshire – but only if we act now, before people are turned back out onto the streets when this temporary accommodation finishes. At that moment, many people, and in particular those who are not eligible to access existing services, risk re-entering a cycle that makes rough sleeping again inevitable.

In Oxfordshire, there are just over 20 people who are most at risk because they are not eligible for public funding. Some are from EEA countries; others are from outside the EEA and have a pending or unresolved asylum claim. Those from outside the EEA are not allowed to work. None are eligible for benefits or to use public services, except for basic health care. The government term for their status is people with “no recourse to public funds” (NRPF).

OHM Vice-Chair Neil Preddy says: “In many cases this policy effectively leaves people destitute. However, for them living in hardship in Oxfordshire is preferable to a return to their own countries, where they may face danger or even worse conditions. This often makes them particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, which is why OHM and its partners feel this is such a priority area.”

Local councils are not permitted to use their resources to help, beyond the provision of emergency COVID accommodation in the short term. Without access to benefits or council services, it is a huge challenge to find a viable long-term solution for this small but very vulnerable group.

Oxfordshire Homeless Movement has convened a coalition of voluntary organisations to implement a project to enable people with no recourse to public funds to become self-sufficient, contributing members of our society. It is hoped that, with the right funding, the project can be delivered by three of the most experienced local organisations in this field: Aspire, Connection Support and Asylum Welcome. Together they can provide the accommodation, wrap around support and advice in resolving immigration status to help rebuild lives.

The ‘Housing First’ approach in Oxfordshire

The project will be housing led and adhere closely to ‘Housing First’ principles.

Paul Roberts, Chief Executive at Aspire, says: “The Housing First approach has been proven around the world during the last 20 years, and has emerged as a highly effective and targeted way to end homelessness permanently. Its key insight is that without stable accommodation and support fitted to their needs, no person is likely to remain safe, mentally well, and able to start looking after themselves or contributing to their society. We are proud to be championing this approach in Oxfordshire.”

The aims of the project are to find sustainable housing and support for people with NRPF to enable them to become self-sufficient and contribute positively to the community in Oxfordshire. This includes resolving their immigration status, and developing and testing a model that can be used to help other people with NRPF who become homeless in the future. The programme is being planned over the long term, and OHM is now seeking philanthropic contributions totalling £1.6 million for five years for this project.

If you would like more information, please contact OHM Project Manager Yvonne Pinner at hello@oxfordshirehomelessmovement.org.

Donate to our Christmas appeal

OHM is running its third Christmas appeal to help raise funds to find lasting solutions to homelessness and fill the gaps that other services can’t, including the project to house people with no recourse to public funds.

Between Tuesday 8 December and Friday 8 January, Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) is pledging to match the first £20,000 of donations to OHM.

OCF’s pledge to double the difference will apply to both one-off and repeat donations made during the Christmas period. When eligible for Gift Aid, a typical £30 donation will be worth £67.50.

You can donate online at www.oxfordshirehomelessmovement.org/donate or by sending a cheque to Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, PO Box 941, Oxford OX1 9TQ.