Highland Homeless Trust 2007-8
The Highland Homeless Trust is challenging homelessness by working with vulnerable men and women and working with them towards independent living.
The Highland Homeless Trust was originally set up to provide food and shelter for homeless people during their most vulnerable period.
But over a few years those behind the charity saw that there was a vulnerable group of people who desperately needed support throughout the year. They knew that most of the people who were homeless were in such a position because of other underlying issues that needed to be addressed. With a helping hand many people that are homeless can be guided into their own home and a new life.
And so in 1999 local businesses, the council and a few determined individuals founded the Highland Homeless Trust, with the intention of challenging homelessness. Since then the Trust has helped over two hundred people a year.
There is a desperate need for more staffed homes and hostels in the city, which is why the Homeless Trust needs to increase its specialised support from the current 20 to 60 beds in fully staffed, supported accommodation. The aim of the Trust is to raise £2.2 million over the next five years. This is an ambitious project but one which the city desperately needs.
HOW DOES HIGHLAND HOMELESS TRUST HELP?
Over 2,000 homeless claims are made in the Highlands every year, meaning that people, many of whom have mental health, family or addiction issues, have nowhere to call home.
Before many of these local men and women can settle into their own property, they need support to address the issues behind their vulnerability. This can mean access to medical or psychiatric treatment, counselling or simply someone reliable and understanding to talk to.
The Highland Homeless Trust operates a number of different functions to provide short-term support to people who are living on the streets, in supported accommodation or who have just moved into their own home after a period of homelessness.
The Trust’s staff work around the clock, seven days a week to:
- Staff male, female and mixed hostels in association with Highland Council, where there are trained staff available to talk, listen and advise clients 24 hours a day
- Operate a social club several evenings a week and provide activities, food and support
- Provide an outreach service to people living in temporary accommodation around Inverness as well as those who’ve recently moved into their own home
- Act as a Night Patrol. Using the Trust’s own car two members of staff call on clients in the evening, just to check they’re OK.
The Trust does not work alone but in close co-operation with organisations including Housing Services, Social Work and other professional organisations
HIGHLAND HOMELESS TRUST SERVICES
The Highland Homeless Trust provides the following services:
- Staffed Hostels, in association with Highland Council
- Outreach Service
- Evening Social Club
- Night Patrol
Through the Highland Homeless Trust vulnerable people can gain access to:
- Homeless Day Centre
- CPN Services
- Homeless Doctor
- Addictions Nurse Advocacy
- Housing support
- Referral to specialist agency
Staff at the Highland Homeless Trust promote independence by assisting with:
- Safety and security
- Budgeting
- Domestic skills
- Shopping
- Claiming welfare benefits
- Leisure and social activities
- General and emotional counselling
- Developing social skills
- Safety and security
- Maintaining a tenancy
If you would like to help, please contact
4 Assynt Road, Inverness IV3 8PB
Tel: 01463 718693 / 236262
Fax: 01463 729018
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