This week saw the official launch of the Homelessness Prevention Fund at West Granton Housing Co-Operative with Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan. 

The £4 million fund will support organisations to sustain tenancies and pilot new 'ask and act' measures.  

SFHA and Homeless Network Scotland also administering a separate £1m fund for RSLs and third sector organisations to pilot 'ask and act' activities. The projects form a learning programme running from June 2025-April 2026, with an overarching aim to prevent homelessness by funding tenancy sustainment and early intervention activities. The range of funded activities help tenants remain in their homes, and by doing so learn more about RSLs future role in relation to the new prevention duties outlined in the Housing Bill. The projects support new and existing partnerships between RSLs and the third sector to provide community-based, partnership activities dedicated to tenancy sustainment. 

During her visit to West Granton Housing Co-operative in Edinburgh Ms McAllan found out more about their ‘Get Settled’ project which supports 400 households who are homeless, or facing homelessness, across Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and Fife. 

The West Granton Housing Co-operative administers £170,000 in grant funding for Get Settled ARCHIE services via seven housing associations who are members of the Alliance of Registered Co-operatives and Housing Associations, Independent in Edinburgh (ARCHIE). 

Gillian Duddy, SFHA Membership and Funding Manager, said: “Housing associations and co-operatives across Scotland will always work to help people stay in their homes, but they can’t always do this alone. 

"It’s great to be able to showcase the work that this Fund allows our members to take forward, ensuring that people who might otherwise be faced with homelessness get the support they need within their community.” 

SFHA will keep members updated on the development of the new £4m Fund and encourage members to consider applying.

To discuss, please get in touch with funding@sfha.co.uk