Our first project

Common Ground Against Homelessness exists to facilitate vital charities' work in providing long-term, real solutions to homelessness. By building a platform of property ownership we can provide our partners with security to deliver their services, which they in turn give to their residents.

Between 2012 and 2017, local authorities in Scotland spent £660 million on temporary accommodation for homeless people. In Edinburgh alone, around £210 million went to the private sector, guest houses or flats, to accommodate homeless people on a temporary basis.

Rowan Alba - Peffermill

Once the renovations are complete, what was formerly a four bed domestic dwelling will provide a nine bed home for life for men who have lived on the streets. Staff will be on site 24/7 to support tenants with their addiction and mental health issues.

Our rehab brief is as green and environmentally friendly as it can be, within the constraints of an Edwardian building. We hope that people are excited that what is currently a four bed domestic property is being transformed into a home for life for 9 former street dwellers, thereby increasing the housing stock in Edinburgh. The supported accommodation provided is in much need for this specific group in Edinburgh, and will follow the successful Thorntree Approach as pioneered by Rowan Alba at their Thorntree Street centre where the average length of stay is 7 years.

Our first share offer has enabled us to purchase a four-bed residential property which we will transform into an 9-bed home for life for homeless men.

The accommodation

Our rehab brief is as green and environmentally friendly as it can be, within the constraints of an Edwardian building. We hope that people are excited that what is currently a four bed domestic property is being transferred into a home for life for 9 former street dwellers, thereby increasing the housing stock in Edinburgh. The average length of stay at Thorntree is 7 years. The supported accommodation provided is in much need for this specific group in Edinburgh, and elsewhere in Scotland.

An inclusive, supportive community

What is the Thorntree Approach and what makes it unique?

It is difficult to imagine or understand why anyone would choose to live on the street, yet many do. Much temporary accommodation is often just that, a room in a bed and breakfast establishment. Being asked to leave for being intoxicated is the norm. People with serious addictions in such temporary accommodation do not thrive, and often become street homeless.

In 2005, Rowan Alba Limited opened Thorntree Street. It provides a home for life to twelve men aged 50+ who had previously been on the street, or at risk of homelessness. Support is available round the clock and three meals a day are provided.

Finding more suitable accommodation to replicate this home for life model has proved challenging. Accommodation in Edinburgh is very expensive. Some homeless people, those with addiction or profound mental health needs benefit from living in supported accommodation. Accessing suitable accommodation to provide this is also a challenge which has now been met by CGAH and its investors.

This blend of inclusivity, pragmatism and knowledge can be applied in other locations to help people who are often see as a thorn in the side of society a home for life.

For an greater insight to the Thorntree Approach,
download this guide from our partners at Rowan Alba (1.4Mb PDF opens in new window)

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