Scotland’s newest homelessness village officially opens

A village for the homeless has opened in South Lanarkshire in a bid to help those living on the streets.

Harriet Gardens in South Lanarkshire was opened on Wednesday and will provide a safe space for those sleeping rough.

Launched by charity Social Bite and South Lanarkshire Council, Harriet Gardens aims to be a supported living community to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

The village will be managed by partnered charity The Salvation Army, and residents will receive care and support as and when they need it.

Social Bite co-founder Josh Littlejohn MBE said: “Harriet Gardens represents what is possible when we bring together housing, support and community in the right way.

“This is not just about providing a roof over someone’s head – it’s about creating a place where people feel valued, supported and able to rebuild their lives.

“We are incredibly proud to see this vision come to life in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and The Salvation Army, and I hope that this will be the second village of many.”

South Lanarkshire Council’s head of housing services Sharon Egan said: “I’m delighted that Harriet Gardens is now officially opened.

“It’s a project we are incredibly proud of and one that continues to build and develop how we respond to homelessness in South Lanarkshire.

“This development began with an ambition, supported by our elected members and senior leadership team, to explore new and innovative approaches to homelessness, particularly for people with complex needs.

Scotland’s newest homelessness Village by Social Bite in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council has officially opened. Frame

“From the outset, Social Bite were a key partner in helping us turn that ambition into a reality, and I want to recognise the commitment, creativity and persistence they have shown throughout the journey and in particular thank Social Bite for the significant investment toward responding to and resolving homelessness in South Lanarkshire.

“As the project progressed, we were able through commissioning to bring on board a long‑term support partner in The Salvation Army.

“Their experience and values are central to the model here, combining high‑quality accommodation with tailored, trauma‑informed support that focuses on stability, recovery and long‑term outcomes.

“We are very proud of what has been achieved with this project and look forward to seeing the impact it will have for many years to come.”

Karen Good, contract manager for The Salvation Army’s homelessness services, said: “Harriet Gardens is a brilliant opportunity to provide consistent, person-centred support that helps people feel valued and able to move forward at their own pace.

“By working alongside Social Bite and South Lanarkshire Council, we aim to create a safe and supportive place where people are encouraged to take steps towards independent living.”

One man named Jim, who benefits from the service, said: “We’re not taught that in the real world, poor health can take away your ability to work, or that the people you rely on – parents, friends, family – might not always be there.

“For many, that can mean facing hardship alone and in silence, while the rest of the world carries on.

“Harriet Gardens will change that.

“It will give people a place to belong – somewhere free from judgment, where strangers can become friends, where people can learn to cope, rebuild their confidence, and begin to believe in and accept themselves again.”