Homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing has closed its Basis drop-in centre in Sunderland after being unable to secure funding to keep it open.

The centre has operated in the city for eight years but closed its doors at the end of last week, said Oasis Community Housing, which is the trading name of Oasis Aquila Housing.

The charity’s chief executive Sarah Gorman said: “We all know Basis as a safe place that has been a lifeline for thousands of people experiencing homelessness since it opened 8 years ago, with dedicated staff providing trusted support for everyone who walks through the door.

“Those members of staff and the people we support are at the front of our thoughts.

“We have explored every funding avenue and building-option currently available to us, to try and find some way of keeping this vital work going. But, despite our best efforts, we have not been able to secure this specialist service.”

She added: “Oasis Community Housing is still fully committed to meeting the needs of people facing homelessness in Sunderland, and we are continuing to have conversations to try and find a solution as to how we can provide this much-needed service, in some guise, moving forwards.”

According to the charity register Oasis Aquila Housing, which is part of the Oasis group of charities, had an income of £4,481,910 and spent £4,891,410 for the financial year ending August 2025.

The charity also operates in Southwark, London, and other locations across the North East including Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside.

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