Advertisement
Housing

Social Bite’s village for homeless people has launched

The communal living space will help 20 people at a time take a step towards permanent accommodation

Scottish social enterprise Social Bite has opened its pioneering village for homeless people.

The sandwich shop marked the end of the 10-month process to build 11 two-bedroom NestHouse homes in Grafton, Edinburgh, that will offer a stable and supported way of living to 20 residents at a time for a period of 12 to 18 months.

It is hoped that the project, which was funded in part by the 8,000 people who took part in December’s Sleep Out event, is aiming to break the cycle of homelessness and provide pathways into employment and permanent housing.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, co-founder of Social Bite, said: “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.

“The village wouldn’t be happening without the incredible support we’ve received every step of the way. Whether it is everyone who slept out for us over the last two years and raised funds, or the 100+ companies who have backed the construction of the village with pro-bono support – I am truly grateful.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

The village was opened by the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, Angela Constance MSP. 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.”

Designed by architect Jonathan Avery of Tiny House Scotland, the highly insulated, energy efficient and sustainable NestHouses each have two bedrooms, a shared WC with shower, a lounge area and a small kitchenette.

The village also houses a community hub – a communal building where residents can dine, socialise and work together, as well as receive personal support – and will stand for four years on land donated by the City of Edinburgh Council.

A dedicated five-strong support team from charity partner Cyrenians will be on-hand to support residents like Michael, who will move into his new home next month.

“I would like to participate in social life – I used to be a fitness instructor before I became homeless due to my 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 health care setting. I think community will be there to support me and I will be able to build my skills gradually in friendly surroundings and not feel anxious and rejected.”

Advertisement

Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

Recommended for you

Read All
'We must remove the shackles of stigma': Five ways Labour wants to shake-up Right to Buy
Labour deputy prime minister abd housing secretary Angela Rayner
Right to Buy

'We must remove the shackles of stigma': Five ways Labour wants to shake-up Right to Buy

Rents in UK are rising at highest rate in decades. Will they keep going up?
rents uk
Renting

Rents in UK are rising at highest rate in decades. Will they keep going up?

Mum-of-three hit with 'revenge eviction' after asking for repairs: 'It felt like the end of the world'
Hazell and her three kids faced homelessness until Shelter stepped in
Renting

Mum-of-three hit with 'revenge eviction' after asking for repairs: 'It felt like the end of the world'

Housing minister admits Labour's 1.5 million homes promise will be 'more difficult than expected'
Labour housing minister Matthew Pennycook
Housebuilding

Housing minister admits Labour's 1.5 million homes promise will be 'more difficult than expected'

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue