Oasis Community Housing appoints new chief executive

Gateshead-based homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing has appointed Sarah Gorman as chief executive, marking a homecoming for one of its first-ever project workers.

Sarah steps into the role this week, bringing 15 years of leadership experience as former chief executive of community-development charity Edberts House. 

Her appointment follows a period of transition for Oasis Community Housing, which supports men, women and young people facing homelessness through crisis services, domestic abuse support and trauma-informed accommodation.

Sarah succeeds acting chief executive Sarah Lister, who returns to her role as chief operating officer, following former chief executive David Smith’s election as MP for North Northumberland in July 2024.

She said: “Since my first role, working with people experiencing homelessness at a church in central London, I’ve always been passionate about helping people reach their full potential – building trust and genuine relationships with people.

“I’ve loved growing Edberts House and working with such a fantastic team, and I’m so excited about the opportunity to return to Oasis Community Housing to work together on how we can not only best support people facing homelessness, but focus on ways of preventing it in the first place.”

With over 40 years of impact, Oasis Community Housing continues its mission to provide hope, housing and support across the North East and beyond.

Nick Salisbury, Oasis Community Housing’s chair of trustees, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Sarah Gorman back to Oasis Community Housing as our new chief executive.

“Sarah joins us at a crucial time, as we respond to rising need and continue supporting 1300 people on their journeys out of homelessness each year. 

“The board is deeply grateful to Sarah Lister for her steady leadership as interim chief executive – and we look forward to working with Sarah Gorman, our dedicated staff team and incredible partners and supporters to take the charity’s life-changing work forward.”

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