Housing First , the programme to support homeless people into and to stay in tenancies has helped almost 250 people in Glasgow, so far.

Those on the scheme are allocated a permanent tenancy and provided with services to help deal with other issues they may have, like addiction, debt or mental health problems.

The Salvation Army is commissioned in Glasgow to provide the wraparound support, which includes applying for benefits, registering with a GP and dealing with utility companies.

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Tenancies are supplied by Housing Associations in the city.

Gary, 38 a former scaffolding labourer has held 21 tenancies in his life and lost them all.

He was living with mental health and an addiction which led to a cycle of unemployment, destitution, homelessness and rough sleeping on Glasgow’s streets.

Through Housing First, he has achieved stability and says the programme has saved his life.

Gary, said: “The Housing First team saved my life. They saved me from the brink of death. Without them I would not have seen Christmas.

“This is the most stable my life has been and I’m doing everything in my power not to go back on the streets again. I’m doing the hard work to improve my health and the support package is a lifeline for me.”

He said the support was crucial to being able to maintain the tenancy which has been the difference this time compared to the 21 others he left.

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Gary said: “I’ve had to change my whole lifestyle and it’s been a real adjustment. I’ve had to learn things from my support workers like budgeting and checking the use-by-dates on food when we go shopping.

“I’ve had 21 houses and walked away from them all. If you just give folk houses and leave them, they’ll just become homeless again. The support is vital. It is working for me - I know I have a safety net and that my support workers are always at the end of the phone if anything goes wrong.”

He said he is now looking forward to Christmas and is hoping to get back into work.

Councillor Mhairi Hunter, Glasgow's Convener for Health & Social Care, said: "Housing First is helping people in Glasgow sustain their tenancies and break the cycle of repeat homelessness.

"The intensive support provided alongside the tenancy acts as a vital safety net for vulnerable people with complex needs. It is helping people learn the life skills needed to run a home such as budgeting and food shopping as well as helping them deal with utility companies, register with a GP, access benefits and attend health services.

"I'm delighted to hear it is working well for Gary and I wish him all the very best in his new home."