A new £3 million supported housing village has opened in Rutherglen, offering a fresh approach to tackling homelessness in the west of Scotland.
Developed by Social Bite in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council, Harriet Gardens will provide accommodation for up to 15 people at a time. Residents will live in individual “nest homes” — compact modular buildings — while sharing communal facilities including a gym, cooking space and community hub.
Built on the site of a former saw mill, the project is the second of its kind in Scotland and the first in the west. It will be operated by The Salvation Army, which will provide round-the-clock on-site support as residents begin moving in.
Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn said the model offers a more effective alternative to traditional temporary accommodation, helping people build confidence, relationships and independence before moving into permanent housing. He argued that many existing hostels and BnB-style accommodation are no longer fit for purpose and can leave people stuck in a cycle of homelessness.
Local demand for new solutions has grown in recent years. According to South Lanarkshire Council, the number of people considered homeless in the area has risen from around 1,000 to approximately 1,500 since the Covid pandemic, driven by factors including a shrinking private rental sector and rising affordability pressures.
Jacqueline Fernie, homelessness and housing manager at the council, said the village offers “the best of both worlds” — combining independent living with on-site support. By giving residents responsibility for their own space while maintaining access to support services, the model aims to reduce repeat homelessness.
While initial plans prompted some local concern, organisers say community engagement is already underway, with local groups and residents beginning to connect with the project. A community connections group has been established, and nearby organisations have expressed interest in getting involved.
Karen Good of The Salvation Army said the initiative is also about breaking down stigma — both for those experiencing homelessness and the wider community — by creating a supportive, inclusive environment.
With several councils across Scotland declaring housing emergencies, Harriet Gardens is being positioned as a model that could be replicated more widely, offering a new pathway out of homelessness through stability, support and a place to call home.
A new £3 million supported housing village has opened in Rutherglen, offering a fresh approach to tackling homelessness in the west of Scotland.
Developed by Social Bite in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council, Harriet Gardens will provide accommodation for up to 15 people at a time. Residents will live in individual “nest homes” — compact modular buildings — while sharing communal facilities including a gym, cooking space and community hub.
Built on the site of a former saw mill, the project is the second of its kind in Scotland and the first in the west. It will be operated by The Salvation Army, which will provide round-the-clock on-site support as residents begin moving in.
Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn said the model offers a more effective alternative to traditional temporary accommodation, helping people build confidence, relationships and independence before moving into permanent housing. He argued that many existing hostels and BnB-style accommodation are no longer fit for purpose and can leave people stuck in a cycle of homelessness.
Local demand for new solutions has grown in recent years. According to South Lanarkshire Council, the number of people considered homeless in the area has risen from around 1,000 to approximately 1,500 since the Covid pandemic, driven by factors including a shrinking private rental sector and rising affordability pressures.
Jacqueline Fernie, homelessness and housing manager at the council, said the village offers “the best of both worlds” — combining independent living with on-site support. By giving residents responsibility for their own space while maintaining access to support services, the model aims to reduce repeat homelessness.
While initial plans prompted some local concern, organisers say community engagement is already underway, with local groups and residents beginning to connect with the project. A community connections group has been established, and nearby organisations have expressed interest in getting involved.
Karen Good of The Salvation Army said the initiative is also about breaking down stigma — both for those experiencing homelessness and the wider community — by creating a supportive, inclusive environment.
With several councils across Scotland declaring housing emergencies, Harriet Gardens is being positioned as a model that could be replicated more widely, offering a new pathway out of homelessness through stability, support and a place to call home.