In addition to its normal pattern of regular worship services, Oakridge Baptist Church has a long history of serving the local community through activities including toddler groups, coffee mornings, FoodCycle, Boys' Brigade/Girls' Association, a Community Friendly Fridge and surplus food redistribution. We have also supported people experiencing homelessness for many years through our work with Wycombe Homeless Connection and other local charities.

Our redevelopment journey started in 2011 when we recognised that the state of our building was poor, and not sustainable long-term. We concluded that determined action would be necessary to safeguard the church’s future and all that we stand for. 

Part of our vision is to help those who are at risk of being homeless by focusing on an ‘early help model’ of intervention and prevention, by providing good quality, 100% affordable, move-on accommodation.

Move-on housing provides safe, self-contained accommodation for up to two years, alongside low-level support to help residents build confidence, manage finances and secure permanent housing in order to live and thrive independently.
 
Rather than a hostel, HMO or emergency accommodation, at the heart of the proposal are 22 units of 100% affordable move-on single occupancy accommodation, for people who are ready for greater independence, including those moving on from temporary accommodation arranged by Buckinghamshire Council.
 
The redevelopment would replace our existing building, which is no longer fit for purpose, with a new church and community facility on the ground floor and affordable housing above. Our vision throughout this project has remained rooted in the church's values of generosity, compassion and integrity, alongside a commitment to supporting people who are especially at risk of becoming homeless.
 
The scheme will help meet a growing local need for affordable housing while also reducing pressure on Buckinghamshire Council's temporary accommodation provision. At the same time, it will secure the long-term future of the church and its community work in Oakridge.
 
The planning application (Ref PL/26/06159/FA) can be viewed here

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Ours is just one of several projects currently in development that follow this model, where churches seek to redevelop their buildings along with the creation of community-oriented, fully affordable housing, and we are excited to be part of this initiative.