A new lease of life for an old barracks supporting homeless people and the wider community.
Homelessness
Inverness-shire
Feb 2017
Completed Project: Highlands Homeless Trust
Highland Homeless Trust’s Acair House provides 24 hour a day seven day a week supported accommodation for vulnerable homeless adults from the area, many of whom have mental health issues. The charity approached CRASH for help with Acair House’s roof which was in a state of disrepair with missing slates, loose mortar and ridges in need of repointing.
“Acair House is the service user’s home and we want them to be positive about their futures,” explained Finance Manager Craig Riddle. “It is the first step for many in settling down – often for the first time in their lives.”
How CRASH Patrons helped
Accompanied by Morrison Construction, part of Galliford Try, CRASH visited the project and met with members of Acair House staff.
Their concern was that the roof had become health and safety hazard with slates now falling on to the main street in Invergordon.
They were also worried that the roof’s condition would encourage the community to have a negative perception of the residents of the property.
- CRASH awarded the charity a cash grant of £20,000 so that they could repair the roof and ensure that the building was able to brave the inclement winter weather.
The staff at Acair House focus on helping predominantly male service users gain the skills required to for independent living. Service users like Gavin who got in touch with Highland Homeless Trust after completing a rehab programme.
“I was going into the unknown, a large adjustment. I had some fear and no direction,” he says. “I was given strength and direction from my stay at Acair House; they gave me the aftercare that I needed for my early days in recovery which is vital and for helping me move on to my own accommodation and a new fresh start. For that I am truly grateful.”
Service User
The Impact
“We cannot thank you enough for the funding and support CRASH has provided. We can continue to provide supported accommodation to formerly homeless people in safe, comfortable surroundings.”
Finance Manager at Highlands Homeless Trust
