Residents will move into the innovative Social Bite village this weekend – a month after the launch of the long-awaited project.
Initially six tenants will head into the 11-home complex in Granton, Edinburgh, which was unveiled by departing Communities Secretary Angela Constance on May 17. But after the first arrivals move in on July 1, the aim is to fill the community to its 20-person capacity, for an average stay of 12-18 months.
Social Bite’s co-founder, Josh Littlejohn MBE, confirmed that, at first, this time period won’t be rigid – and they will give the villagers time to settle in and adapt to their new environment before moving back into wider society.
“There will be no fixed minimum or maximum stay at first, it will all depend on how long the person needs to transition into permanent accommodation,” he said.
Charity partner Cyrenians will also help residents achieve independency through their support staff on site. Cyrenians chief, Ewan Aitken, said: “When people apply, they apply to be part of a community, they’re not applying for a tenancy.
“Part of being here is hanging out together at the hub, taking care of the environment, cooking together, shopping together. And by looking after each other, the skills of looking after yourself and making change can happen.”