Wheatley Group has handed over its 100th home to Scotland’s Housing First partnership to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in Scotland.Housing First Scotland is a partnership set up to tackle rough sleeping. It gives secure mainstream tenancies to people who are currently sleeping rough or living in hostels and other temporary accommodation and is aimed at people with complex needs such as mental health or addiction issues.

The model helps people into permanent accommodation as quickly as possible, providing them with the support they need to sustain their tenancy and rebuild their lives.Wheatley tenants can also get advice and assistance on everything from saving money on energy bills and help to set up gas, electricity and bank accounts, to arranging a home fire safety visit.

One of the people who has been housed through Housing First is William Smith, who is now a GHA tenant in Glasgow. He moved into his home at Christmas and has already secured a training opportunity with Wheatley Group through the Wheatley Foundation’s Changing Lives Environmental Training Scheme and is on a programme to overcome his drug addiction.He said: “Since moving in here I have come on leaps and bounds. It feels a lot better to have a home. “My housing officer, Tiffany, is there for me. I was given the things I needed when I moved in. If I need anything sorted, I just get in touch with her and she comes to see me. “ Having my own home and my own front door is a good feeling. I feel safe “I feel a lot of hope for the future. It is slow but I am on the right track

The Lord Dean of Guild, Alasdair Ronald said “The level of homelessness and rough sleeping, which is there for us all to see on the city’s streets every day, is a personal tragedy for those who are homeless and a source of shame for us all. “We are pleased to see that the Wheatley Group have made significant progress and look forward to continuing to support, and work with them on, this crucially important project”.Wheatley Group Chief Executive Martin Armstrong said: “Wheatley is proud to hand over its 100th home to the Housing First partnership. This is a really important milestone in our joint efforts to end homelessness in Scotland.“I am always really moved when I hear and see the difference that a warm, safe and secure home – along with right support can make as people rebuild their lives and I am really proud of the role Wheatley has played so far.”

Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn said: ‘This is a brilliant milestone for Wheatley and the Housing First Pathfinder programme.“Wheatley Group were the first organisation to pledge properties when we began this Housing First programme, so I’m delighted to see their progress.“I’m amazed and humbled to see the difference it has made to people like William. Thank you to all the partners who are working together on our eventual goal of eradicating homelessness in Scotland”.