Social Bite to unveil Rutherglen homeless village with 15 eco homes, community hub and onsite support in 2025

A homeless village featuring 15 environmentally conscious homes could be open in Rutherglen as soon as spring 2025.

Work on the Social Bite Village, aimed at addressing the “unprecedented levels” of demand for temporary accommodation in Greater Glasgow and South Lanarkshire, is set to begin in the coming months.

The village has been described as a “beautiful living environment” with intensive onsite support for people experiencing homelessness.

Community members are expected to live at the village for around six to 12 months, depending on their individual needs, and will benefit from opportunities ranging from yoga, running, a cooking club and DJ sessions.

A community hub will sit at the heart of the village and will serve as a central gathering place. The hub will be equipped with a communal kitchen, recreational areas, counselling rooms, outdoor decking, and exercise facilities, and will host activities focused on personal growth, training, and recovery services.

The village, given permission last week, will form part of South Lanarkshire Council’s ambition to develop a wider range of options for people experiencing homelessness.

Working with local charity partners, it aims to give members the opportunity to build an independent life, secure stable employment and sustain future tenancies.

Social Bite described the village as “15 contemporary, environmentally conscious homes within a compassionate community, surrounded by picturesque landscaping.”

The charity added: “A vibrant hub will foster social interaction and promote individual development through skill-building, recovery services, and personalised assistance.

“Serene outdoor areas will enhance relaxation and wellbeing, while exercise amenities will cater to all community members. Above all, this will serve as a refuge, supporting individuals on their journey out of homelessness.

“The village model will emulate the one that we’ve developed in Edinburgh over the last six years. There will be an active weekly timetable including opportunities ranging from yoga, running and bike rides, to a cooking club and DJ sessions.

“We anticipate community members in South Lanarkshire will live at the village for approximately 6-12 months, though this will depend on individual needs.

Social Bite Village community hub Social Bite

“Over this time, people will contribute to the life of the community, have opportunities to learn a range of new skills, and engage in work and voluntary placements.

“Staff and volunteers are crucial in providing positive role models, running a health and wellbeing programme as well as being a consistent and supportive presence on site.

“The village is designed to be an active and highly supportive community. We have engaged partners in South Lanarkshire Council who will commission a third sector partner to provide a highly skilled and experienced team at the village.”

The project is planned to open in spring/summer 2025.