Oxford Area Solutions for Housing

Overview

Oxford Area Solutions for Housing (OASH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2023 to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the Oxford, Ohio area. The organization aims to create a community where every individual has access to safe and secure housing.

Mission and Goals

OASH's primary mission is to respond to and prevent homelessness by bringing together community members from various sectors, including faith-based institutions, education, government, economy, philanthropy, and human services. The organization focuses on identifying and addressing the socio-economic factors contributing to housing insecurity in Oxford. Currently, OASH is emphasizing the need for permanent supportive housing, which provides not only affordable housing but also essential support services like case management, medical care, mental health services, and addiction support.

Structure and Community Involvement

OASH operates by dividing its efforts into different sectors of the community. Each sector contributes to a community-based plan aimed at combating homelessness and poverty in Oxford. The organization collaborates closely with local groups such as the Oxford Presbyterian Church, which has also made systemic poverty eradication a part of its mission. Regular meetings are held with community members to outline goals, work on sector-specific objectives, and coordinate actions like Point-in-Time (PIT) counts.

Programs and Initiatives

• Point-in-Time Counts: OASH conducts annual PIT counts to assess the homeless population in Oxford. These counts involve identifying shelters, schools, and other locations where homeless individuals reside. The data from these counts help in understanding the extent of the problem and in planning future interventions.

• Permanent Supportive Housing Proposal: OASH is in the early stages of developing a proposal for a permanent supportive housing project in Oxford. This would be modeled after similar projects like the Goodman Place in Hamilton, Ohio, which offers residential care and support services.

• Housing First Approach: The organization is also exploring a Housing First approach, designed to place individuals into permanent housing as quickly as possible and provide subsequent support services to help them maintain stability.

• Awareness and Education: OASH seeks to raise awareness about homelessness in small towns like Oxford, highlighting that it is not just a problem in urban areas. This awareness helps in building empathy and understanding within the community.

Funding and Challenges

While OASH has made significant strides, it faces challenges such as securing funding for its projects. The organization relies on grants and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities to support its initiatives. Despite these challenges, OASH remains committed to its vision of a community where every individual has access to secure housing.

Impact and Future Plans

OASH’s efforts have been successful in building momentum around addressing homelessness in Oxford. The organization continues to work toward creating long-term solutions, including establishing permanent housing options and enhancing support services. With each PIT count and new project proposal, OASH brings the community closer to realizing its goal of housing security for all.

[1] https://www.oxfreepress.com/local-organization-targets-housing-insecurity-in-oxford/ [2] https://oxfordobserver.org/17167/uncategorized/church-group-works-to-address-homelessness-in-oxford/ [3] https://www.oxfordhouse.org [4] https://oashox.org [5] https://oashox.org/about-us/