Small Homes. Fresh Starts. Lasting Hope.
Cowley Haven Homes will transform church land in east Oxford into safe, sustainable and affordable homes for people facing homelessness or housing insecurity — providing not simply a roof, but the security, dignity and support needed to build a new future.
The Parish of Cowley St John is developing an ambitious new project to provide small, high-quality modular homes on church land.
The aim is simple: to use land already held by the Church to create safe, affordable and dignified homes for people who might otherwise face homelessness or insecure housing.
Why this project matters
Oxford has some of the highest housing costs in the country, and many people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness struggle to find secure accommodation even when they are ready to rebuild their lives. Cowley Haven Homes is our response to that need.
The project will provide a small number of purpose-designed homes in a supportive setting, allowing residents to live independently while benefiting from appropriate wraparound support and strong connections with the local community.
The proposed homes
The current proposal is for a small modular housing development, on land owned by the Parish of Cowley St John. The scheme is being designed to provide:
· compact, self-contained homes suitable for one/two residents;
· high-quality, low-carbon construction;
· safe and secure accommodation;
· appropriate outdoor and amenity space;
· a design that responds sensitively to the surrounding residential area;
· a long-term housing solution that is financially and environmentally sustainable.
More than a building project
Cowley Haven Homes is not simply about providing accommodation. The intention is to create a setting in which residents can establish stability, independence and a sense of belonging.
The parish will work with experienced housing and support organisations so that residents can access appropriate help with areas such as:
· maintaining a tenancy;
· employment and training;
· health and wellbeing;
· financial stability;
· community connection;
· moving towards longer-term independence.
The homes themselves will provide the foundation from which that support can become effective.
Using church land for social good
At the heart of the project is a conviction that church assets should be used creatively in the service of the wider community.
The land offers an opportunity to provide homes in an area where the need for genuinely affordable accommodation is acute. By developing a small number of homes on existing church land, the parish hopes to demonstrate how churches can make a practical and lasting contribution to tackling homelessness and housing insecurity.
Sustainability
The project is being designed with long-term sustainability in mind.
The modular homes will be constructed to modern energy-efficiency standards, with a focus on reducing energy use and keeping running costs manageable for residents. The project is also being developed with careful attention to:
· long-term maintenance;
· management arrangements;
· affordability;
· environmental performance;
· appropriate landscaping;
· resident wellbeing;
· integration with the surrounding community.
Funding the project
The PCC is bringing together a package of grant funding and external support to make the project possible.
The parish has already secured significant funding from St Martin’s in the Fields and is continuing to work with charitable trusts, church bodies and potential partners to ensure that the scheme is financially viable.
Our vision
Our vision is that Cowley Haven Homes will provide more than somewhere to sleep.
We want each home to offer security, dignity and the opportunity for a fresh start. Through this project, the Parish of Cowley St John hopes to turn a small piece of church land into a lasting resource for people in housing need and a practical expression of our commitment to serving the people of east Oxford.
Keep in touch
We will continue to share updates as the project develops, including progress with planning, funding and construction.
If you would like to support Cowley Haven Homes, partner with us, or find out more about the project, please contact the Vicar of Cowley St John: vicar@cowleystjohn.co.uk