Matilda House shelter opens in Cowley for rough sleepers

Oxford City Council and A2Dominion have invested in the new building in Rymers Lane, and it is is now providing support, specialised services and shelter for homeless people in Oxford.

Matilda House is offering accommodation for 37 residents and is designed to give homeless people access to the support they need to go on to lead fulfilling lives.

READ AGAIN: BMW workers concerned about no deal Brexit

The accommodation includes a short-term facility that provides support for 22 homeless people with complex needs, moving them away from the streets and preparing them to sustain independent living.

There is a second move-on facility that provides employment and training focused support for 15 people who are progressing from the ‘adult homeless pathway’ into fully independent living.

All the units have ensuite bathroom facilities arranged in clusters with shared kitchen facilities.

READ AGAIN: Woman dies in Simon House homeless shelter

Pam Vasir, A2Dominon’s director of supported housing, said: “Matilda House is just one example of the commitment we have made to be a positive part of the communities that we operate in. We have been providing support services in Oxford for a number of years and Matilda House is a natural extension of our work.”

Simon House in Paradise Street, also run by A2 Dominion, is due to close.

READ MORE: New Oxford school only serves veggie meals

Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing, said: “The council commissioned A2Dominion to run Matilda House and I’m really pleased it’s now open and the first residents have moved in.”