More than £2.3 million will be allocated to 32 new and existing projects which make it easier for older and disabled people to live independently, will improve access to housing for homeless people and will support refugee, asylum seekers and new migrant communities.
Projects to benefit from the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme in 2015-16, include Housing Options Scotland which will receive £242,000 to meet increased demand for its advice services for disabled people, older people and veterans.
Shelter Housing Law Service will be awarded £183,868 to provide specialist legal expertise on housing issues while the Scottish Refugee Council has been granted £130,000 for its work helping refugees adapt to life in Scotland.
Mrs Burgess said: “It is heart-breaking that in a country as prosperous as Scotland some people do not have the support they need to help them live as independently as they can and fulfil their potential.
“I am pleased this £2.3 million fund will be split between organisations that are addressing these inequalities, and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“This Government is clear, we want to provide opportunities for people to flourish and we recognise that a lack of suitable housing can be a major barrier preventing them from achieving their full potential.
“Whether it’s through working with the elderly, veterans, young people or asylum seekers, each of these 32 projects is closing this inequality gap, and tackling prejudice and discrimination.”
Moira Bayne, the chief executive officer of Housing Options Scotland welcomed the funding support. She said: “In 2014 Housing Options Scotland was able to help over 400 disabled people, older people and armed forces veterans to find the Right House in the Right Place.
“None of this would have been possible without the financial support of the Scottish Government.
“Thanks to this funding we have been able to help a wide range of people including a visually impaired teenager in the Scottish Borders who has had his family home extended to maximise his independence and a young former RAF officer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who has now returned to live near her son in Morayshire.
“We are absolutely delighted with the funding we have been awarded for 2015. We are mindful of how privileged we are to be offered such support in such difficult times and we look forward to helping many more people in the coming year.”
The Glasgow Simon Community and Positive Steps are two projects that will receive funding for the first time in 2015.
Through £90,975 funding Positive Steps will give training to men who have a history of re-offending and homelessness.
Cathryn Mill, development officer with Positive Steps said:
“Funding through the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme will allow Positive Steps to deliver and implement a significant test of change project.
“Dundee in particular suffers from high levels of reconviction rates that present issues related to homelessness.
“The proposed project will target short term persistent offending and the lack of access to secure accommodation. We will also offer targeted support to address offending behaviours.”
The following Edinburgh-based organisations will receive funding in 2015 -16:
Age Scotland £126,250
To provide information and advice to older people to help them maintain their independence.
Bethany Christian Trust £44,000
Funding for homelessness projects including literacy and numeracy, budgeting support, employment and volunteering, and street work.
CRISIS (project 1) £26,000
The project to help improve access to the Private Rented Sector for homeless people in Scotland.
CRISIS (project 2) £52,943
Tenancy support project which works with people in shared housing.
Housing Support Enabling Unit (HSEU) £120,640
Assisting providers in the voluntary, private and registered social landlord sectors.
Move On Ltd £25,000
Project helping young people at threat of homelessness through peer support.
Housing Options Scotland £242,000
Provides tailored housing advice to disabled people, older people and veterans.
SACRO £49,000
Dealing with neighbourhood conflict and promoting positive community relations.
Scottish Churches Housing Action (1) £57,000
Project supporting a range of services and activities including starter packs and befriending networks.
Scottish Churches Housing Action (2) £9,000
Prison leaver peer support project for HMP Edinburgh. Prisoners will be supported through housing, health, training and employment interviews following release.
Scottish Housing & Support Conference £11,000
Funding for annual conference for service users and providers of housing support services.
Scottish Women’s Aid £67,345
Project focusses on homelessness and prevention of homelessness for women who are victims of domestic abuse.
Homeless Action Scotland £164,000
Facilitates national homelessness networks and National Homelessness and Employability co-ordinator.
Shelter Housing Law Service £183,868
To provide access to specialist legal expertise and representation on housing issues across Scotland
Scottish Social Networks (Rock Trust) £30,721
To support the work of the Housing Option Hubs. In particular by raising awareness of the link between positive social networks and prevention of homelessness.
Venture Trust £60,437
Outward bound courses and wilderness training to improve the confidence of homeless young people to develop their independent living skills.
An Audioboom clip of the Housing Minister can be found here: https://audioboom.com/boos/2745068
