A groundbreaking new initiative is set to transform the landscape of homelessness in Rutherglen, as South Lanarkshire Council and homelessness charity Social Bite join forces to create a state-of-the-art homeless village on the site of the former Westfield Saw Mills in Harriet Street.
The project, which has been approved by the council, aims to provide high-quality supported accommodation for homeless individuals in the area. The village will consist of 16 sustainable modular homes known as Nest Houses, designed by Scottish PropTech company Ecosystems Technologies.
Each Nest House will feature its own lounge, kitchen, bedroom, and shower room, as well as a landscaped area for residents to enjoy. In addition to the individual homes, there will be a community hub on site equipped with a lounge and kitchen for therapeutic group work.
One of the key aspects of the village is the provision of specialized housing support services to help residents prepare for independent living. This holistic approach aims to address not only the immediate housing needs of homeless individuals but also to provide them with the necessary tools and support to transition successfully to permanent accommodation and employment.
Councillor Davie McLachlan, chair of the housing and technical resources committee, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its alignment with the council’s homelessness strategy. He also praised Social Bite for their track record of delivering similar successful projects and emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the complex issue of homelessness.
The village is designed to seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, ensuring sustainability and accessibility to a range of services for its residents. The unanimous approval of the project by the planning committee and housing and technical resources committee underscores the community’s support for this innovative approach to tackling homelessness.
Social Bite, a renowned homelessness charity, has been at the forefront of innovative solutions to homelessness in the UK. Founder Josh Littlejohn MBE emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing safe and supportive housing for all individuals, underscoring the critical importance of initiatives like the Rutherglen homeless village in addressing the pressing issue of homelessness.
The project comes at a crucial time, as recent data reveals a concerning rise in homelessness in Scotland, reaching its highest levels in a decade. The urgency of the situation underscores the necessity of proactive, sustainable solutions to address the root causes of homelessness and provide lasting support for those in need.
The success of Social Bite’s Edinburgh Village, which has supported over 100 residents in transitioning to permanent accommodation and employment, serves as a testament to the impact of well-designed, supportive housing initiatives in breaking the cycle of homelessness. The organization’s proven track record of success in similar projects bodes well for the future of the Rutherglen homeless village.
Construction of the village is slated to commence in early 2025, with completion expected by the summer. Throughout their stay at the village, residents will receive ongoing support and guidance to facilitate their transition to independent living and sustainable employment opportunities.
The Rutherglen homeless village represents a beacon of hope and opportunity for homeless individuals in the area, offering a path towards stability, empowerment, and a brighter future. The collaborative efforts of South Lanarkshire Council, Social Bite, and other partners demonstrate the power of community-driven solutions in addressing complex social issues and creating positive change for those most in need. With a strong foundation of support and resources in place, the village is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of its residents and contribute to the broader goal of ending homelessness in Scotland.