A groundbreaking approach to addressing homelessness has taken root in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, where a purpose-built village offers residents not just shelter, but a pathway to reclaiming their independence and rebuilding their lives.
The charity Social Bite has partnered with the Salvation Army to open Harriet Gardens, a $3.5 million residential facility designed to fundamentally reimagine how communities support their homeless populations. The village consists of 15 individual "nest" units, each equipped with one bedroom and one bathroom, alongside shared amenities including a gym, community space, and cooking facilities.
Josh Littlejohn of Social Bite articulated a vision that challenges conventional homeless accommodation models. Traditional government-sponsored hostels, he argues, often perpetuate environments of chaos rather than stability. The Harriet Gardens model represents a deliberate departure from this approach.
"Maybe these places aren't fit for purpose anymore, and they're expensive—Glasgow and Edinburgh councils are spending millions and millions on accommodation," Littlejohn told BBC News Scotland. "If you create an environment where people grow in confidence, build relationships and then leave homelessness behind, then that is the first step in tackling homelessness as a problem."
The initiative addresses a pressing local crisis. South Lanarkshire currently counts approximately 1,500 residents as homeless, representing a 33 percent increase over the past six years. This escalating challenge prompted Jacqueline Fernie, a homelessness and housing manager for South Lanarkshire Council, to seek innovative solutions.
After visiting Social Bite's village location in Edinburgh, Fernie recognized the potential for replication in her own jurisdiction. The model's emphasis on independence and personal responsibility struck her as the appropriate catalyst for enabling residents to reverse their circumstances.
Central to the Harriet Gardens philosophy is comprehensive, round-the-clock support. The Salvation Army maintains a 24/7 presence on site, providing what Social Bite describes as "practical help, emotional support and guidance with day‑to‑day challenges." This continuous availability ensures residents have access to assistance while maintaining their autonomy within their own living spaces.
The facility occupies land that previously housed a saw mill, situated within an established residential area. This integration into the broader community represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Weekly activities organized by the Salvation Army and local community partners aim to build practical skills, improve health outcomes, and establish the stabilizing influence of routine for individuals whose lives have been characterized by unpredictability.
The project initially encountered resistance from some local residents concerned about the prospect of a homeless encampment in their neighborhood. Littlejohn acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that misconceptions about the nature of the facility drove much of the opposition. The reality of Harriet Gardens—structured, supportive, and focused on rehabilitation—differs substantially from the encampment some feared.
Not all community response proved negative. Organizations such as Grow 73, a local gardening club, proactively reached out to offer support and establish connections between Harriet Gardens residents and the surrounding community. Such engagement exemplifies the collaborative spirit necessary for successful reintegration.
The Harriet Gardens model reflects a growing recognition that effective homelessness intervention requires more than temporary shelter. By providing residents with their own space, fostering accountability, and delivering sustained support, the facility creates conditions under which individuals can address the underlying factors that contributed to their homelessness. The approach prioritizes dignity and self-determination while acknowledging that meaningful change requires both time and comprehensive assistance.
As communities across Scotland and beyond grapple with rising homelessness, the outcomes at Harriet Gardens will be closely monitored. The facility represents a significant investment in an alternative approach—one that treats housing not merely as a roof overhead, but as a foundation upon which residents can reconstruct stable, independent lives.