An Oxfordshire charity supplying supported accommodation for homeless people in the county has received a loan to help increase and improve the quality of accommodation it provides.
Homeless Oxfordshire received a social investment loan from Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC), from its Social and Sustainable Housing fund (SASH).
The charity plays a central role in tackling homelessness in Oxford and the surrounding areas and supports 220 single homeless people in Oxfordshire in 11 different housing projects.
Jo Faulkner-Harvey, head of fundraising and communications, said: “Oxford is a very expensive and problematic area for the homeless. The loan from Social and Sustainable Capital will be transformative. We will be able to purchase properties in Oxford and Banbury some of which we currently rent and move away from our reliance on private landlords.
“This means we can improve the quality of our accommodation, buy in better locations and ensure there is support to help people get back on their feet.”
“We will support a broader range of clients including those who need hostel accommodation, individuals who need quality move on accommodation and those with complex mental health needs who require longer two-year tenancies and support.”
As well as housing provision, the charity delivers support services including meals, training, and education to help vulnerable individuals get back on their feet, rebuild their lives and move on from homelessness.
Homelessness Oxfordshire approached Social and Sustainable Capital for a loan to provide accommodation for rough sleepers and enable it to purchase one bed flats, as well as larger four and five bed houses in Oxford and Banbury, which would transform its portfolio from being a rental model to homeownership.
Purchasing the homes will give the charity far greater control and autonomy over their properties and enable it to provide longer term and more safe and stable homes, which Oxford City Council has identified are needed. Owning the properties will also provide the charity with greater financial sustainability in the future.
Ben Rick, CEO of said Social and Sustainable Capital, said: “Homelessness Oxfordshire is a specialist in providing safe home and high-quality support and initiatives for vulnerable individuals.
“With the loan, they will be able to reconfigure their housing portfolio and purchase homes rather than rent them, giving them complete control and better housing options to support a wider range of people and help them move away from homelessness to achieve an independent life.”
Homeless Oxfordshire is Social and Sustainable Capital’s 10th investment from the Social and Sustainable Housing fund.
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