An Oxford charity is celebrating 25 years at the heart of services for homeless people in Oxfordshire.

Oxford Homeless Pathways, or OxHoP, started life as the Oxford Night Shelter on Luther Street in 1986. It is celebrating a journey from the early days as a single converted building offering food, warmth and shelter at night only, to offering a wide range of resettlement and support services to homeless people.

Lesley Dewhurst, chief executive, said: “It has been an amazing journey in which we have been able to help thousands of people successfully transform their lives.

“Our charity is driven by a fantastic team of staff and volunteers, and supported by a range of organisations and businesses. We’ll pause to think about those 25 years and then return to our biggest challenge as a charity — to keep getting in the money that makes it all possible.”

The charity’s flagship building O’Hanlon House is now a purpose-designed building on the site of the old shelter. It’s open 24/7 with accommodation for 56 people overnight and up to 80 during the day. Services for the people it works with now cover assessment and support on housing needs, helping tackle the problems that have led to homelessness, providing welfare rights advice, encouraging progress towards training and employment, and follow up support for clients who have been resettled.

OxHoP also runs Julian Housing, a network of supported accommodation for people who’ve been homeless and are ready to take the next step. Offering 83 rooms across 14 different properties, Julian Housing supports its residents to sustain and thrive in independent accommodation. OxHoP also raises much-needed money through its Oxford Homeless Medical Fund, which supports the work of the nearby Luther Street Medical Centre, a primary care facility dedicated to working with homeless people. Fundraiser Christy Spenle said: “We’re celebrating our 25th anniversary at one of the most challenging times we’ve faced in terms of fundraising. Now is a great moment for our local businesses and organisations to build on that, whether it be by making a financial donation, giving of their time, or offering gifts in kind such as good-condition furniture, garden tools, single bedding and towels, or warm clothing.”

Call Christy Spenle on 01865 262201, email christyspenle@oxhop.org.uk or visit www.oxhop.org.uk