A new in-person support hub is set to be established in Oxford to enhance assistance for individuals facing homelessness.

The initiative aims to reinforce preventative measures for homelessness, building upon substantial previous investment in prevention-related services.

The facility will function from premises at 15-17 George Street, which also houses the George Street Hotel, and will take over from a comparable service currently based at the city’s central library near Westgate.

Council officials have emphasised that the facility will not serve as accommodation for those sleeping rough, given that drop-in services already operate at alternative locations throughout Oxford, including The Gatehouse in St Giles.

The centre will be accessible to any homeless households within Oxford, including families accompanied by children.

Projected financial benefits for the authority are estimated at £150,000 annually.

Cabinet member for citizen-focused services Nigel Chapman explained that the relocation to George Street would substantially improve the authority’s face-to-face provision for residents while achieving cost efficiency.

The new centre would enable a five-day weekly service within premises designed to ensure privacy, accessibility, and effective collaborative working.

According to Chapman, this development represents a positive advancement for both residents and staff members, guaranteeing continued delivery of high-standard support in a central Oxford location.

Annual rough sleeper enumeration data published by the authority indicates a consistent decline in numbers since 2023.

Verification exercises documented 46 individuals sleeping rough in 2023, decreasing to 41 in 2024 and further to 32 in 2025, although officials acknowledge these figures may not fully capture the exact total of those sleeping rough.

At present, the majority of homelessness evaluations are conducted via telephone.

Services delivered in person enable more customised assistance, improved identification of health requirements, and enhanced decision-making processes.

The authority’s existing customer service operations situated at the central library are also anticipated to transfer to the new facility.

Preparatory work is currently underway, with an anticipated opening scheduled for spring 2026.

The authority currently delivers face-to-face appointments from the customer service hub located at the central library, accommodation shared alongside Oxford Citizens Advice.

The library lacks adequate space for newly expanded in-person services.

Desk provision for clients requiring housing support has been limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays.

At 15-17 George Street, a ground-floor open-plan area will incorporate a reception zone, collaborative desk spaces, three private interview rooms, and facilities accommodating both staff and residents on a single level.

The new centre will enable the authority to extend face-to-face homelessness services from the existing two days per week to a five-day weekly operation.

The central positioning of the site ensures straightforward accessibility via public transport from all areas of the city.

The anticipated annual financial saving will arise from decreased reliance on expensive emergency accommodation placements, according to the authority.

A coordinated strategy addresses homelessness and rough sleeping throughout Oxford.

The city council collaborates with the Oxfordshire Homelessness Alliance, a consortium comprising six local charitable organisations: Aspire, St Mungo’s, A2Dominion, Connection Support, Elmore, and Homeless Oxfordshire.