Danny Alexander MP praises Salvation Army resettlement project

Andrew McCall (Regional Manager for Homelessness Services), Danny Alexander MP, Helen Black (Project Manager) and Gareth Wallace (Public Affairs Advisor)

Danny Alexander MP - Chief Secretary to the Treasury - has praised the Salvation Army in Inverness for its work in helping break the cycle of homelessness.

The MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, met members of the church and charity, and service users at The Inverness Resettlement Project – which focuses on support and getting people into their own homes.

Mr Alexander said he was impressed by the project and added: "Many people associate the Salvation Army with Christmas, but the support they provide happens all year round.

"The Salvation Army is well known in Inverness for the invaluable housing support service it provides to individuals and families who are affected by homelessness.

"It was a pleasure to meet the volunteers and staff who do such valuable work for our Highland communities."

The Inverness Resettlement Project focuses on getting people and families into permanent accommodation. It provides a floating support service to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness within the Inverness area as well as supporting 14 ‘In-house’ Service Users in supported accommodation.

The project helps people gain and maintain their own tenancy by offering support to individuals who have a variety of issues that may be affecting their lives. There is also a substance misuse specialist on hand who is able to offer a more intense level of support for service users who are struggling with addiction issues.

Helen Black, manager of the Inverness Resettlement Project, said: “It was great to be able to share our work with someone who may be able to influence future policy. We provide more than just housing support to people in need. We empower our service users to become independent.

"I have asked Mr Alexander and the Government to make it easier for people in short-term accommodation to have the opportunity to move into their own permanent homes by building more local authority housing. I'll also be highlighting the shortage of affordable accommodation in the private housing sector."

Local Salvation Army church leaders David and Kate Donaldson work closely with service users and staff at the resettlement project to offer spiritual and practical support. Lieutenant Kate said: "It is good to be able to be there for service users to help and encourage them to be part of the local community."