A NUMBER OF GROUPS and organisations who provide housing support to homeless and vulnerable people are to be boosted to the tune of £1.65million from the Scottish Government.
The funding will be delivered through the Housing Sector Voluntary Grant Scheme, which assists third-sector organisations to deliver housing related projects and services.
In total 17 organisations whose work includes helping older and disabled people to live independently will receive funding. These organisations improve access to housing for homeless people as well as supporting refugee, asylum seekers and new migrant communities.
Among the successful applicants is Housing Options Scotland which has been given £248,000 to provide housing advice to disabled people, older people and military veterans. Another £132,000 will go to the Scottish Refugee Council to assist new refugees in building the lives in Scotland.
Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government and Housing, said: “It is a sad fact that many of Scotland’s most vulnerable people are faced with anxiety over their housing situation and the possible threat of homelessness.
“The Scottish Government recognises the role that third sector organisations play in helping people who find themselves in housing need. Some of these projects are small in scale, but the benefits they bring to the individuals concerned are tremendous.
“I’m delighted that, through the recent draft budget settlement, we have been able to invest in vital projects and organisations that can be a lifeline for so many across Scotland.”
Moira Bayne, Chief Executive of Housing Options Scotland, welcomed the move, saying: “Everyone at Housing Options Scotland is delighted by the vote of confidence shown in us by the Scottish Government.
“We helped nearly 700 disabled people, older people and disabled veterans in 2016 and thanks to the generous financial support of the Scottish Government we can do even more in 2017.”