Helping people stay ahead of a housing crisis

Homelessness Prevention supports adults living as single people who are at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping, or who are likely to become homeless without direct support.

The service is designed to help people take action before their housing situation reaches crisis point. By working through options early, connecting people with the right services, and helping them take practical next steps, the project aims to support longer-term housing stability wherever possible.

This service is delivered as part of the combined Homeless Prevention Service in Oxfordshire, in partnership with Connection Support.

Aspire's team of Community Navigators are here to help, and the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you stay in your home.

An Update in Homeless Prevention Service

Who the service is for

Homelessness Prevention is for adults who are:

• aged 18 or over
• living as single people
• connected to Oxfordshire
• at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping within the next three months
• at risk of homelessness over a longer period because of increased vulnerability
• facing a housing situation which, without support, could lead to homelessness, such as rent arrears or the need to secure new accommodation
• eligible for public funds

The service is intended to support people before they reach the point of rough sleeping, helping them understand their situation and take action at the earliest possible stage.

Why this project exists

It is always better to prevent homelessness than respond only after someone has reached crisis point.

Housing problems can build gradually. Rent arrears, insecure accommodation, relationship breakdown, benefit issues, or changes in personal circumstances can all put someone at risk of losing their home.

Homelessness Prevention exists to step in early, helping people understand their options, access the right advice, and work through practical solutions before their situation becomes more severe.

When homelessness is prevented, people have a better chance of maintaining stability, protecting their wellbeing, and moving forward with greater confidence.

Hear from one of our clients:

"It means so much to be able to ring you when things get confusing. I honestly don’t know what I’d do - probably bury my head in the sand and it would become so much worse, so thank you!”

How the project helps

Support is tailored to each person’s situation and level of need.

This may include:

• brief intervention, offering early advice and guidance over a four-week period
• casework support for up to six months for more complex or challenging situations
• helping people understand their housing options
• support with rent arrears or tenancy-related issues
• help to secure new accommodation where needed
• connecting people with relevant services
• working alongside local services, landlords, councils, and wider support systems where appropriate

The purpose is always the same: to act early, reduce harm, and help people maintain or regain housing stability wherever possible.

The difference this project makes

Prevention work is often less visible than crisis response, but it is a vital part of Oxfordshire’s approach to homelessness.

By supporting people before their situation worsens, Homelessness Prevention can reduce the need for more intensive crisis intervention later. It helps people stay connected to their homes, communities, support networks, and future plans.

Catching people before they fall further is not only more effective. It is more humane.

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Make a referral

People can self-refer or be referred by a partner agency.

Please complete the Homeless Prevention Service referral form and return it as instructed on the form.

Download the Homeless Prevention Service Referral Form

Phone us: 01865 204450
Email us: referrals@aspireoxford.co.uk 

Not sure if this is the right service?

If you are unsure whether someone is eligible, please contact the Homeless Prevention Service before making a referral. The team can help advise on whether this is the right route or whether another service may be more appropriate.

Support homelessness prevention in Oxfordshire

Your donation helps Aspire support people at risk of homelessness before they reach crisis point, giving them access to practical advice, guidance, and support when it matters most.