Oasis No.3 hostel in London is celebrating 30 years of supporting young people, especially young mums facing homelessness. It was the first Oasis project founded by Steve and Cornelia Chalke and formed the basis of what would become Oasis Charitable Trust.
Two other projects: Elizabeth House in Gateshead and the Foyer in Coulsdon are celebrating 20 years of service to people who are homeless or fleeing domestic abuse.
‘What a year it’s been, but what an achievement for our projects,’ says Jen Gauden-Hand, who joined the charity almost 20 years ago as a support worker at The Foyer and is now the charity’s Director of Housing.
Located across Gateshead and south London, the projects provide supported accommodation and holistic support for 16 to 25 year olds. Over the years, Oasis Community Housing has grown to comprise 17 projects across the UK, creating a network of support for around 1,250 young people.
The aim is not only to provide a place to sleep but to help tackle the root cause of their homelessness as well as encouraging the individual to reach their full potential.
Jen continues: ‘All of our projects deliver unique support to the young people we welcome through the doors each year, but more than anything we aim to provide a safe place that they can call home.’
