Fifty-four long-term homeless individuals in Glasgow have been given the keys to what many describe as “a whole new life.” This transformative opportunity comes through the Housing First initiative, a programme designed to provide stable housing and comprehensive support for people with complex needs.
Thirty-five-year-old James Kingsman is among the first in Glasgow to benefit from this initiative. After years of instability, James now has a place to call home—a milestone he never thought possible. “I’ve been through some pretty horrific stuff in my life, but Housing First has given me a new lease of life,” he shared. “Before, I was in limbo, but now I have a fresh start.”
James’s journey to this point has been marked by significant challenges. Homeless on and off since the age of 16, he has faced profound personal losses, including the deaths of his husband, John, in 2010 and his mother, Dorothy, five years later. These tragedies, combined with the instability of life in homeless units and hostels, left him feeling “horrific and hopeless.” Now, settling into a one-bedroom flat in a quiet Glasgow community, he describes his new home as his “safe haven.”
The Housing First model, pioneered in Europe and the US, represents a shift in how homelessness is addressed. Traditionally, individuals were required to tackle complex issues like mental health or addiction before being deemed “tenancy ready.” Housing First flips this approach, providing stable housing first and then offering intensive support to help tenants maintain their homes and address broader challenges.
In Glasgow, the Health & Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP) has partnered with organisations like the Wheatley Group, the Salvation Army, and Social Bite to implement this approach. The Salvation Army, in particular, plays a key role in supporting tenants, helping them navigate tasks like liaising with utility companies, paying bills, and accessing health services. The programme also focuses on education, training, and employment opportunities, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives.
For James, the support has been transformative. “My house is better than I could have wished for,” he said. “It’s in a quiet area near shops and transport and really feels like a home. If I don’t understand a letter or a bill, I can show it to my case worker, and they’ll help me sort it out.”
Just weeks after moving in, James is already planning for the future. He has applied to volunteer with the charity that provided his housing starter pack and is considering college courses in hairdressing or decorating to improve his employment prospects. “I want to go to work, come home, and enjoy a takeaway or go to the cinema like everyone else,” he said. “Housing First has given me the key to a whole new life. Before, every day was a struggle, but now I’m so happy here.”
The Housing First initiative is part of Glasgow’s broader strategy to reduce the time people spend in temporary accommodation and provide rapid rehousing through mainstream tenancies. By focusing on stability and support, the programme aims to break the cycle of homelessness and offer individuals like James the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
For those interested in learning more about the Housing First model, the Housing First Europe Hub provides valuable insights into its origins and impact across Europe.
This initiative serves as a reminder that stable housing is not just a basic need but a foundation for personal growth, recovery, and community integration. For James and others like him, it’s the first step toward a brighter, more secure future.
