Oxford Council enters partnership to deliver Housing First project

A2Dominion’s Care and Support team will deliver a new Housing First project in partnership with Oxford City Council from September.

The Housing First programme aims to help homeless people with multiple and complex needs, or to help people with histories of homelessness to stay in their own home.

A2Dominion will provide intensive support and housing to 20 individuals with complex needs across Oxford until the end of the agreement in April 2024.

Three Housing First support workers will be recruited, working closely with Oxford City Council’s housing teams and specialist support services to identify appropriate housing and provide a full spectrum of support.

Director of supported housing at A2Dominion, Jo Evans, said: ‘Our partnership in Spelthorne has already shown what a huge difference Housing First projects such as this can make, so we’re delighted to have secured this partnership on Oxford.

‘We already have a strong presence in the city, with our supported living site in Matilda House and our service for victims of domestic abuse, so we can’t wait to get going with this exciting new project and ramp up our services in Oxford even further.’

Cllr Diko Blackings, Oxford City Council cabinet member for affordable housing, housing security and housing the homeless, added: ‘A2Dominion have a proven track record in helping us prevent and reduce rough sleeping, and I’m very pleased they’ll be working with us again to deliver our Housing First programme. Nobody should have to sleep rough in Oxford, and evaluation of Housing First initiatives elsewhere show they can help up to four fifths of people leave the streets behind for good.

‘It takes more than a roof to end homelessness. Housing First means the right support is in place to help people sustain their tenancies and prevent a return to rough sleeping.’

In related news, the White Cross scheme in Hereford has opened, providing eight rooms and four self-contained flats for people who have found themselves homeless or sleeping rough in Hereford.

Photo by Tim Bechervaise