The project in Granton is set to support 20 homeless people at a time and remain in place for four years
A homeless village which aims to move people into fixed accommodation rather than hostels or B&Bs has been unveiled.
The Social Bite Village in Granton is ready to welcome its first residents after two years in the planning.
Situated on vacant land donated by City of Edinburgh Council, the initiative aims to provide a stable and supported communal way of living for 20 people at a time for around 12-18 months, acting as a stepping stone to permanent accommodation.
The village project – which was created with the help of Cyrenians - is seen as an alternative to traditional forms of temporary accommodation such as hostels and homeless B&Bs, and forms part of a set of programs Social Bite has developed which aims to alleviate homelessness in Scotland.
In February, the social enterprise launched the UK’s largest Housing First program, which will help rough sleepers into mainstream flats in five cities by giving them extra support. Social Bite hopes to help over 800 homeless people off the streets and temporary accommodation into housing with support over the next 18 months.
Josh Littlejohn MBE, co-founder of Social Bite, said: “I am thrilled to see the project reach completion and it has only happened due to the support of literally thousands of people and hundreds of organisations.
“There’s no one-size-fits all solution to homelessness and what we’re doing at the village is developing a viable alternative to the unsupported, substandard and expensive temporary accommodation models that are prevalent within the homelessness system such as hostels and B&Bs.
“When the first residents arrive next month, they’ll become part of a safe, positive and supported community. The village’s on-site support staff, led by the Cyrenians, will encourage people to support each other towards a happier, healthier future in a place of belonging, security and hope.”
The village was opened by cabinet secretary for communities Angela Constance. She said: "We have a shared ambition with Social Bite to see everyone with a warm and safe place to call home, alongside any support they may need.
“Social Bite has done a huge amount of work to raise awareness of homelessness and directly tackle the issues, as today’s innovative initiative shows. Our homelessness and rough sleeping action group, of which Josh Littlejohn is a member, is making important recommendations on how to eradicate rough sleeping and end homelessness.”
The accommodation is primarily for those who are living in unsupported temporary accommodation, shelters, and B&Bs who need help in breaking out of the cycle of homelessness. Cyrenians will select and support village occupants, with the first residents arriving next month.
At the end of their time at the village, residents will be supported in making the transition to permanent accommodation and employment.
It is expected that the Social Bite Village will be in place at Granton for an initial period of four years.
First residents all set to move in
Three of the 20 residents who will occupy the Social Bite Village have said they hope their new homes will give them stability,
Ryan, who is homeless, said he is confident that the project will help him improve his mental health.
He said: "I feel that my current state of isolation is hindering my mental health and that being part of a community would be very helpful.
"I would like to live in a community environment as I feel this will be relaxing and supportive. I am looking for stability to help me move forward. I enjoy working with others towards common goals.”
Michael said that he used to be a fitness instructor but ended up on the streets after battling anxiety and depression.
He said: "I would like to learn more social skills and be able to use them in the future. My dream is to obtain a degree and start working in a healthcare setting. I think community will be there to support me and I will be able to build my skills gradually in a friendly surroundings and not feel anxious and rejected.”
Another resident, Henri, also spoke of his desire to live in a community again. "I prefer to live in the community to not feel isolated. I’d like to work and maintain contact with other people … learn from different people.”
