Bethany Christian Trust

Bethany Christian Trust is a Scottish charity based in Edinburgh, registered charity no SC003783. It was set up to relieve the suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people.

The Trust's vision is that through Christian love in action, homelessness will be reduced and vulnerable people empowered to live independently within society.

The Trust's partners include Edinburgh City Council, West Lothian Council, East Lothian Council, Fife Council, over 100 churches, Edinburgh City Mission, Christian Concern for the Homeless, CHAI, Rock Trust. Its areas of work are Edinburgh and the Lothians, Aberdeen (City & Shire), Dundee, Fife, Dumfries & Galloway and Glasgow.

The charity was established in 1983 by Rev Alan Berry, then a minister in Leith, Edinburgh, in response to the needs of the many homeless and vulnerable people he confronted daily.

Bethany supports around 4,000 homeless and vulnerable people every year through its services. Bethany has nearly 200 full-time and part-time staff and over 1000 volunteers. Its turnover was £5.6 million in 2012.

Operated in conjunction with Edinburgh City Mission, the Care Van offers rolls, soup, clothing, and support to Edinburgh's rough sleepers every night in the city centre. A team from one of over 30 churches staffs the van every night on a rota basis.

Every night from late October to the end of March, the Care Shelter provides emergency accommodation in churches around Edinburgh for men and women over the age of 16 who have no other accommodation. A volunteer team provides and serves hot meals and Bethany staff provide professional advice and support to help move people off the streets and into longer-term accommodation. Anyone without a place to sleep may use the Shelter, which is free of charge. Edinburgh City Mission and local churches make this service possible.

Bethany House is a resettlement unit for homeless men and women aged 16+. In order to use the services at Bethany House, the resident must cope with personal care, be claiming benefits and be willing to apply for more permanent housing.

Bethany Christian Centre is a supportive working community for men aged 17–70 that aims to help those in need to resettle back into a stable environment, free from alcohol and drugs. Aid in addiction issues, budgeting, legal matters, health issues, family relationships, housing applications, benefit claims, and contact with counselling services and other agencies are among a myriad of services the Centre provides. Residents learn to relate and work together as they participate in community meetings, cooking, cleaning, group activities and house holidays and are encouraged to get involved with further education and voluntary work placements within Bethany or further afield. Bethany Addiction Team offer group work and one-to-one counselling to residents. Most people are directed to the Centre through a referral agent, but it is possible to self-refer. Acceptance onto the programme and residency is agreed after an informal interview.

...
Wikipedia