Oxfordshire Homeless Movement
The Porch
The Porch
Doesn't provide shelter
Provides guidance
Provides new skill learning
Accepts time
Doesn't accept things
Accepts money
Contact Details
OX4 1RL
Service Type
Day service
Operating Hours
8.15am-3.30pm Mon-Fri, 8.15am-1.30pm Sat & Sun - exclusively for individuals experiencing homelessness. See below for full details
Eligibility & Referral
Drop-in (no referral required)
Service Description
The Porch was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service due to its work with the voluntary sector and engagement with the local and wider community over the past 30 years.
The centre’s catering manager, Lorraine Green, received The High Sheriff’s Award for 18 years of commitment to The Porch’s members, and for the in-house training she’s given people, which created employability for lots of people.
The Porch is a frontline for homeless day service in Oxford, the only place in the city offering direct, day long support for people experiencing homelessness, 7 days a week. The Porch provides a safe space where individuals can access vital resources such as nutritious meals, showers, laundry facilities, IT, and tailored support services. Its holistic approach addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals, offering guidance in housing, finance, physical and mental health, addiction recovery, and employability skills.
The Porch nurtures a strong sense of community and belonging, helping individuals rebuild their confidence, restore hope, and regain independence.
Their rest room is the only day time sleeping facility in Oxford.
Key functions & activities offered
Extended Operating Hours:
Monday-Friday (8.15am-3.30pm)
Homeless Welfare Session: 8.15am-11.30am
Disadvantaged & Vulnerable Adults Session: 11.30am-2.00pm
Client Case Management Session: 2.00pm-3.30pm
Saturday - Sunday (exclusively for individuals experiencing homelessness)
Homeless Weekend Welfare: 8.15am-1.30pm
Key Functions & Activities
Breakfast - 7 days a week: 8.15am-10.30am (Brunch on weekends 11.00am-12.00pm)
Lunch - 5 days a week: Monday - Friday 12.00pm-1.30pm
Community - Beyond meals, the Community café fosters connection, a place where friendships grow, stories are shared, and no one feels alone
Showers - Clean, private showers are available daily, helping guests feel refreshed and ready to face the day. No appointment required
Laundry - Laundry service gives access to washing machines and dryers, ensuring clean clothes and a sense of comfort and pride. no appointment required
Clothing - Free clothing and footwear donations to those in need, providing practical support for all seasons
Rest Room- Day time sleeping facility, quiet space
IT Suite and Guest Wi-Fi - Empowering guests and supporting their independence
Library - A peaceful space to read, relax, and unwind
Pet food and Pet Care Referrals - Free Pet Food available
Moving Forward Initiative - Volunteering programme helping individuals take their next step through structured support, personal development, and community engagement. Tailored 1:1 guidance to overcome barriers and achieve meaningful progress
Case Management - Dedicated 1:1 Client Engagement & Progression Sessions. Supporting vulnerable adults, affected by homelessness, mental and/or physical health issues, addiction, debt advocacy, or social isolation, and more
Complex Needs (Qualified social worker) - for individuals with complex or multiple needs, our specialist staff provide tailored, trauma-informed support
Addiction Support with Turning Point-Tuesdays 11.30am-2.00pm
Green Space Therapy (The Porch allotment and gardens)- 9.00am-3.00pm, 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Art Therapy - Psychotherapy that uses art-making as a primary mode of communication to improve mental, emotional, and social well-being
Creative Writing with Oxford Poetry Library - Alternate Fridays at 2.00pm
Day trips - Zoo, cinema, theatre, etc
Members Committee - Co-production partnership with service members working together to design, deliver, and evaluate service delivery.