FOR the past twelve months, a group of formerly homeless Oxford residents has volunteered every Thursday to hand out hot food and useful supplies to those currently sleeping rough.

As Coronavirus begins to potentially limit supplies, the team is now calling on local people to help by donating camping equipment, warm clothing and other essentials.

Having previously experienced periods of homelessness, all the volunteers are now supported by Emmaus Oxford.

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The charity, based in the Cowley area, helps 28 formerly homeless people by giving them a home for as long as they need it, meaningful work and an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem to help rebuild their lives.

Every Thursday between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, rough sleepers are offered free food, supplies and advice from a special stall set up by the volunteers in front of the Emmaus building at 171 Oxford Road.

The volunteer group includes Gary Putt, 56, who was homeless for six months before Emmaus gave him a place to live and the support he needed.

Mr Putt is heavily involved with organising the weekly rough sleeper support.

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He said: “I used to work in furniture restoration, but when I lost my job it wasn’t long before I also lost my home.

"With nowhere to go, I ended up living in my car for months.

"Thanks to the support of Emmaus, I’ve now landed on my feet. I don’t want to consider where I’d be today without Emmaus.

"For me, helping rough sleepers in this way is paying forward the kindness I’ve received. I know how it feels to be without a home; if we can help those who are sleeping rough, even a little bit, then it’s a job well done."

Mr Hutt said that helping out at the Emmaus's weekly 'supper clubs' in Cowley brought people together.

He said: “Every Thursday we spend hours preparing.

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"We cook a huge meal and try to vary it each week: quality, comforting food like shepherd’s pie or pasta bake.

"Offering a hot meal is a very important part and we encourage people to stay and eat together, taking time to listen and offer support.

"We gather supplies to hand out too, filling boxes with warm clothing, underwear, waterproof shoes, camping equipment and sanitary supplies for women.

"One of us always cycles around the area to help spread the word to anyone we see sleeping on the streets.

"It started off with one or two people turning up each time, but sadly there are so many people in Oxford without a home and so the need is greater than ever. We’re often meeting people at their lowest point, so we talk to them and find out what they need, and signpost other sources of support too."

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Anyone wanting to help Emmaus Oxford’s weekly rough sleeper support can donate items including winter sleeping bags, roll mats, waterproof footwear, men’s and women’s socks, men’s underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste and small packs of baby wipes.

Supplies can be dropped off at the Emmaus store at 242 Barns Road, Cowley, Oxford, which is open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm.

To find out more about the work of Emmaus Oxford visit emmaus.org.uk/oxford or call 01865 763698.