Oasis Charitable Trust (Oasis), a charity dedicated to building stronger communities, ending disadvantage, and creating opportunities through education, housing, health, justice, youth and family support, has secured a £2.135 million investment from Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC). This will enable Oasis to purchase 20 properties, providing 60 bed spaces for vulnerable families with children attending its schools in Sheffield and Scunthorpe.

Founded in 1985 by Reverend Steve Chalke MBE, Oasis works nationally and in local communities to build stronger, inclusive neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive. The investment comes from SASC’s Social and Sustainable Housing Fund II (SASH II), with Oasis contributing an additional £420,000 funding to support the project.

The new properties – within 1km of Oasis academies – are in areas of high demand, helping Oasis reduce reliance on the private rental sector for housing provision. Providing stable, secure homes will enable children from under-resourced families to attend school consistently, helping to prevent dropouts and support long-term educational success.

This investment reinforces Oasis’ mission to provide not only immediate housing solutions but also the foundations for stronger, more resilient communities across Sheffield, Scunthorpe, and beyond.

Rev Steve Chalke said: “Stable housing is at the heart of a child’s ability to thrive at school and at home. This investment will provide much needed accommodation for families in Sheffield and Scunthorpe; ensuring children can attend school consistently and reach their full potential. It’s about more than houses; it’s about giving families the security and stability they need to build brighter futures.”

Mark Bickford, CEO of SASC said: “We’re proud to support Oasis Charitable Trust in providing homes for families who need them most. Many of these children have been living in temporary accommodation provided by councils, often in unsuitable conditions and located far away from schools. By helping Oasis move to owning housing stock, we’re supporting educational continuity, family stability, and stronger communities.”

SASH II launched in November 2022 and is the follow-on fund to SASH which launched in May 2019 and successfully raised and allocated £64.5m to frontline charities. The fund supports charitable organisations that deliver a combination of support and housing to move from renting existing housing stock to owning it.

For more information on Oasis visit: www.oasisuk.org

For more information on SASC visit: www.socialandsustainable.com