£1.6 million funding boost for projects across Scotland

Grants totalling £1.6 million will fund innovative services aimed at tackling homelessness and improving housing, particularly for the most vulnerable.

17 projects successfully applied for the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme (HVGS) 2018/19, which supports third sector organisations to deliver housing related projects and services.

The latest round of funding will fund projects which include support for people at risk of homelessness, enabling independent living for older people, disabled people and veterans, and providing support and advice services for refugees.

Among the successful projects is Rock Trust, receiving £47,000 to support A Way Home Scotland, a national coalition to end youth homelessness

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: ‘Tackling and preventing homelessness and improving housing is of utmost importance as we work to make sure everyone in Scotland has a safe and warm place to call home.

‘The third sector plays a vital role in supporting many of Scotland’s most vulnerable people, who can be faced with anxiety over their housing situation and the possible threat of homelessness. These projects will offer invaluable advice and support to help tackle those issues.

‘We are clear in our commitment to tackling and ending homelessness and recognise that this requires more than just the provision of housing as every individual has their own unique needs and challenges. That’s why I’m delighted to announce this funding, which will help provide support for so many across Scotland.’

Rock Trust Chief Executive Katie Polson said: ‘We are delighted to receive an award through the Scottish Governments Housing Voluntary Grant scheme. This will enable us to drive forward the work of the A Way Home Scotland coalition which aims to end youth homelessness in Scotland.

‘The coalition will support organisations across Scotland to develop systems and practices in their local area to ensure that young people are able to avoid, resolve and move on from homelessness using youth specific methods. The post which is funded will ensure that young people are leading the solutions and are able to share and develop them in each local area.'

• homelessness