New Homeless Village Opens in South Lanarkshire With 24/7 Support
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A new village providing homes and support for people experiencing homelessness has opened in South Lanarkshire. The project, Harriet Gardens, was built by the charity Social Bite at a cost of approximately $3.5 million and will be managed in partnership with the Salvation Army. It offers 15 self-contained units alongside shared community facilities and on-site support.
Facts First
- Harriet Gardens village has opened in South Lanarkshire with 15 one-bedroom, one-bathroom units.
- The Salvation Army will provide 24/7 on-site support for residents, offering practical help and emotional guidance.
- Social Bite spent roughly $3.5 million to build the village on disused land that was formerly a sawmill.
- The project launches as homelessness in the area has risen 33% over six years, affecting about 1,500 people.
- Weekly community activities are planned and a local gardening club has offered to help connect residents with the broader community.
What Happened
The charity Social Bite has opened Harriet Gardens, a new village for people experiencing homelessness in South Lanarkshire. The organization partnered with the Salvation Army to manage the site, which was built on disused land that was formerly a sawmill. The village consists of 15 self-contained 'nest' units with shared gym, community, and cooking facilities. Jacqueline Fernie, a homelessness and housing manager for South Lanarkshire Council, decided to implement a similar model locally after visiting Social Bite's village in Edinburgh.
Why this Matters to You
If you live in South Lanarkshire, this project represents a direct, local attempt to address a growing problem, as homelessness in the area has increased by 33% over the last six years. For those experiencing homelessness, it provides a stable home with immediate, round-the-clock support. The integration of the village within a residential area and the involvement of local groups may help foster community connections, though some local opposition was reported.
What's Next
The Salvation Army will be on site 24/7 to provide ongoing practical and emotional support to residents. Weekly activities organized by the Salvation Army and local community partners are planned to help integrate residents. The success of this model in South Lanarkshire could influence how other local authorities approach homelessness solutions.