Positive Steps Partnership (PSP), a Dundee-based charity, has secured a £1.11 million social investment loan from Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC). This funding will enable PSP to purchase 15 properties to provide supported accommodation for vulnerable adults, including those with addiction issues and ex-offenders. This initiative is part of PSP’s ongoing efforts to help individuals facing significant barriers to independent living. The charity’s mission is to offer sustainable housing solutions and support services that empower vulnerable adults to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Expanding Housing Solutions
Positive Steps Partnership has been at the forefront of providing supported accommodation in Dundee. With the new £1.11 million investment from SASC, the charity will acquire 15 properties, including 13 one-bedroom flats and 2 two-bedroom flats. This expansion is crucial in meeting the growing demand for housing among vulnerable adults in the city. The properties will offer a safe and stable environment for individuals to rebuild their lives and work towards independence.
The investment follows a previous loan of £1.65 million from SASC in 2020, which allowed PSP to purchase 30 one-bedroom flats. This initial funding marked PSP’s transition into property ownership, significantly enhancing their capacity to provide long-term housing solutions. The new investment will further strengthen PSP’s ability to support those in need, reducing reliance on council properties and private landlords.
Derek Sharkey, CEO of Positive Steps Partnership, emphasized the importance of property ownership in delivering sustainable support. He noted that owning properties enables the charity to better meet the needs of their clients, many of whom face multiple and entrenched disadvantages. By providing stable housing, PSP can offer a foundation for individuals to overcome challenges and achieve independence.
Addressing Critical Needs
Dundee has one of the highest rates of intravenous drug deaths per capita in Europe, highlighting the urgent need for effective support services. Positive Steps Partnership’s work is critical in addressing these issues, offering comprehensive support to individuals with substance addictions, mental health issues, and other vulnerabilities. The new properties will provide a safe haven for those transitioning from institutionalized living or homelessness.
The charity’s holistic approach includes not only housing but also tailored support services to help individuals maintain their tenancies and improve their quality of life. In 2023, PSP’s Housing Support service assisted nearly 300 individuals in sustaining their tenancies, significantly reducing the risk of homelessness. Additionally, almost 50 individuals were able to move to independent living, demonstrating the effectiveness of PSP’s support model.
Mark Bickford, CEO of SASC, highlighted the impact of the investment on the local community. He stated that the loan would enable PSP to support more people with substance addictions and other vulnerabilities, helping them progress to healthy, independent living. This investment is a testament to the success of SASC’s Social and Sustainable Housing Fund, which aims to empower charities to own and manage their housing stock.
Building a Sustainable Future
The £1.11 million investment is part of SASC’s broader strategy to support charitable organizations in transitioning from renting to owning housing stock. Launched in November 2022, the Social and Sustainable Housing Fund II (SASH II) builds on the success of the initial fund, which raised and allocated £64.5 million to frontline charities. By enabling charities like Positive Steps Partnership to own properties, SASC is fostering long-term sustainability and resilience in the sector.
Positive Steps Partnership’s mission aligns with this vision, as the charity continues to expand its property portfolio and enhance its support services. The new investment will not only provide immediate housing solutions but also contribute to the long-term stability and growth of the organization. By owning properties, PSP can ensure that their clients have access to safe, stable housing for years to come.
The charity’s efforts have already made a significant impact, helping over 190,000 people over the past 35 years. With the new investment, PSP is well-positioned to continue its vital work, supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community. The acquisition of additional properties will enable the charity to meet the increasing demand for supported accommodation and provide a lifeline to those in need.
