Help us create small homes, fresh starts and lasting hope.
Cowley Haven Homes is an ambitious project from the Parish of Cowley St John to create safe, sustainable and affordable homes on church land in east Oxford for people facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Our vision is about much more than constructing homes. We want to help create the stability from which people can rebuild their lives, regain independence and look towards the future with confidence and hope.
We cannot do this alone. We are bringing together the Church, charitable funders, local organisations, businesses, professionals and individuals who share our belief that everyone deserves the dignity and security of a place to call home.
Make a Donation
Every contribution, large or small, can help us move closer to making Cowley Haven Homes a reality.
Donations will support the development and delivery of the project, including the costs associated with planning, professional advice, construction, infrastructure and preparing the homes for their first residents.
You can support the project through a one-off donation, regular giving, or by considering Cowley Haven Homes as part of your charitable giving.
DONATE TO COWLEY HAVEN HOMES
Please identify your donation as Cowley Haven Homes so that it can be allocated appropriately. And please note that, where eligible, Gift Aid can increase the value of your donation at no additional cost to you.
Partner With Us
We are keen to develop partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. We would particularly welcome conversations with charitable trusts and foundations, local businesses, churches and faith communities, housing and homelessness organisations, community groups, and organisations interested in social impact and corporate giving.
Partnership does not have to be purely financial. Expertise, practical assistance, professional services and connections with other organisations can all help us deliver a stronger and more sustainable project.
Professional and Practical Support
Delivering new homes requires a wide range of expertise. As the project progresses, there may be opportunities for businesses and professionals to support us through their knowledge, services or practical assistance. This could include expertise in construction, planning, architecture, landscaping, sustainability, legal and property matters, furnishings and household equipment.
Where services form part of the formal delivery of the project, appropriate PCC procurement and governance arrangements will continue to apply.
Help Us Furnish a Home
When the homes are ready, we want each one to feel like a home from the very beginning. There will be opportunities to help provide the practical things a resident needs when starting again: furniture, kitchen equipment, bedding and other household essentials.
We will publish details of what is required nearer the time. Please do not bring donated furniture or household goods to the church unless these have been specifically requested, as our storage capacity is limited.
Support the People Who Will Call Cowley Haven Home
A secure home can provide the foundation for a new beginning, but housing alone does not resolve every challenge. We hope to work alongside experienced partners to help residents access appropriate support, guidance and signposting according to their individual circumstances. This will include people rebuilding their lives following homelessness or housing insecurity and in particular women who have had to leave abusive or controlling relationships.
The aim is always to support dignity, independence and choice rather than create dependency.
Fundraise for Cowley Haven Homes
Individuals, schools, churches, community groups and local organisations can also support Cowley Haven Homes by fundraising with us. A concert, sponsored challenge, community event, coffee morning or other fundraising activity can raise funds while also helping more people hear about the project and the challenge of housing insecurity in Oxford.
Pray With Us
Prayer is at the heart of this project. Please pray for those experiencing homelessness, insecure housing or abuse; for those working to support them; for wisdom as the project develops; and for the generosity and partnerships needed to bring these homes into being.
We also pray for the people who will one day make Cowley Haven Homes their home: that they may find safety, dignity, belonging and hope.
Keep in Touch
Cowley Haven Homes is currently being developed through the planning, funding and design process. We will publish updates as important milestones are reached.
To discuss giving, partnership, fundraising or professional support, please contact the Parish of Cowley St John on 01865 792717 or at admin@cowleystjohn.co.uk. Together we can turn a small piece of church land into something extraordinary: a safe place to live, a fresh start and the foundation for a more hopeful future.