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West Lothian Housing Association Partners with Charity to Combat Homelessness

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. artners-with-charity-to-combat-homelessness.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 3:41 GMT by Daily Record
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

West Lothian, Scotland - February 24th, 2026 - Almond Housing Association today announced a significant new partnership with national charity HomeAid, signaling a strengthened commitment to addressing the growing issue of homelessness within the West Lothian community. The collaboration focuses on a proactive, multi-faceted approach, extending beyond simply providing shelter to encompassing comprehensive support services aimed at empowering individuals to regain independence.

For years, West Lothian has faced challenges related to homelessness, driven by factors such as economic hardship, family breakdown, and a lack of affordable housing. While local authorities and existing charities have worked diligently to mitigate the problem, demand for support continues to outstrip available resources. This partnership between Almond Housing Association, a key provider of social housing in the region, and HomeAid, a specialist in facilitating temporary accommodation solutions, represents a crucial step towards filling this gap.

The core of the initiative revolves around identifying and refurbishing vacant properties within Almond Housing Association's portfolio. HomeAid will lend its expertise in efficiently bringing these properties up to standard, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and suitable for temporary occupancy. These revitalized homes will then be offered to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, providing immediate relief from the hardships of street life or overcrowded emergency accommodation.

However, the partnership transcends simply providing four walls and a roof. Crucially, alongside the accommodation, residents will be provided with tailored support services designed to address the underlying causes of their homelessness. This holistic approach will encompass assistance with accessing healthcare, benefits advice, employment training, and mental health support. The aim is not just to house people, but to equip them with the tools and confidence to rebuild their lives and secure long-term, sustainable housing.

"We are delighted to be partnering with HomeAid," stated Kathleen Leslie, Chief Executive of Almond Housing Association. "Homelessness is a real issue in West Lothian, and we are committed to doing what we can to help those who are affected. This partnership will allow us to provide much-needed accommodation and support to vulnerable people, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have." Leslie highlighted the strategic alignment between Almond Housing Association's mission - to provide quality, affordable homes - and HomeAid's specialized skills in rapid property refurbishment and support service delivery.

Councillor George Paul, Chair of the West Lothian Fairness Forward Committee, echoed this sentiment. "This is a fantastic initiative which will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people in West Lothian. The Council is working hard to tackle homelessness, and we welcome partnerships like this which help us to achieve our goals." The Fairness Forward Committee, established by West Lothian Council, has been instrumental in developing a broader strategy to address social inequalities, and this partnership is seen as a vital component of that plan.

David Bainbridge, Regional Manager for HomeAid, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the venture. "We are thrilled to be working with Almond Housing Association. Their commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness is commendable, and we are confident that this partnership will be a great success." HomeAid has a proven track record of working with housing associations and local authorities across the UK, leveraging its expertise to create impactful, localized solutions.

Beyond the direct provision of accommodation and support, the partnership will also focus on raising awareness about homelessness within the West Lothian community. Almond Housing Association staff will volunteer their time to assist HomeAid with outreach programs and fundraising activities, fostering a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and encouraging community involvement. This will include a planned series of public awareness campaigns in early 2027, targeting local businesses and residents.

The announcement comes at a critical time, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to push more individuals and families towards the brink of homelessness. Experts predict a continued rise in demand for support services, making partnerships like this increasingly essential. While this initiative is a positive step forward, it is acknowledged that a sustained, long-term commitment from all stakeholders - including government, housing associations, charities, and the community - is necessary to truly tackle the root causes of homelessness and ensure everyone has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.