Homeless charity to continue helping vulnerable people
AHOMELESS char i t y operating throughout Glasgow is expected to renew its lease from the city council this week in a bid to help vulnerable citizens.
The Blue Triangle Housing Association hopes to continue its services at 148- 150 Holland Street and 335- 341 Sauchiehall Street by renting the properties at £ 165,000 per annum from the local authority.
Established in 1975 by the office bearers of the young women’s Christian association ( YWCA), Blue Triangle provides a safe and secure mainly hostel type accommodation for defenceless people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or have a Looked After and Accommodated background.
In 1976 the organisation had one property for the initial resident group of young single women studying and working Glasgow.
It eventually split from the YWCA and became its own legal identity in 1991. Services were limited to Glasgow for a year before they began expanding into other local authorities.
During its 40 years of service, it has run community cafes, provided literacy and numeracy support, provided access to training, employment, health and housing.
Under normal circumstances, staff are present on site, in some cases, 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days of the year, and they work with service users to help them gain the right skills to move onto more independent living and achieve a better quality of life.
They work with people of all ages and backgrounds and provide access to a range of skills including access to learning and development, training, housing, specialist skills such as drugs and alcohol support.
BTHA’s vision is to put the needs of individuals at the heart of everything they do by delivering high quality support and accommodation that makes the residents feel safe and secure.
They strive to lead the way in homelessness prevention and support by using a unique, adaptive and flexible approach. The skilled work force help develop leaders who inspire and innovate those who need support.
Blue Triangle has also received awards for its hard work and dedication to helping those who are or facing homelessness.
Glasgow City Council has leased both properties since 1991, initially for 25 years from Cape Vega Ltd and latterly Surplus Property Investments Ltd ( SPI).
The buildings have both been sub- leased to the charity allowing them to provide temporary accommodation for young, single, homeless people.
The Health and Social Care Partnership has been contacted by both SPI and Blue Triangle Housing Association, to request agreement to a further extension of both the lease and the sub- lease for a maximum period of five years. Both parties have agreed terms for the extension.
The approval of this lease will be discussed at the contracts and property committee tomorrow.