Rowan Alba has received £30,000 in unrestricted funding from Leeds Building Society to continue to provide long-term supported accommodation and community outreach to those affected by homelessness, addiction and social isolation.
Founded in 1997, Rowan Alba is a charity with a history of compassion and support. It believes in accepting, supporting, and including people as they are, offering security, dignity, and choice. The charity’s pioneering approach ensures stability for those with complex needs, addiction issues, and a history of trauma. Through compassionate, person-centred care, Rowan Alba helps people to rebuild their lives and end the cycle of homelessness.
Figures from Edinburgh Council reveal that between November 2024 and March 2025, there was nearly a 60% increase in the number of individuals rough sleeping in the city.[1] Charities like Rowan Alba are doing all they can to address the needs of those at the extreme end of homelessness within the city.
Rowan Alba received the unrestricted grant after applying for Leeds Building Society’s Fund150 programme, offering a share of £150,000 as part of the Society’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Organisations could apply for an unrestricted grant of up to £30,000, provided that their organisation aligned with the programme’s aim of supporting vulnerable people to find a place to belong through housing and their community.
Five organisations across the UK have been awarded funding, including Rowan Alba, following selection through a panel of building society colleagues who are passionate about supporting their community. The Society was particularly impressed by the pioneering model the charity uses, offering a stable home for residents and accepting them without conditions, but supporting them on every step of their journey.
Providing Rowan Alba with unrestricted funding will mean they are able to support people with complex needs in Edinburgh to live independently and benefit from one-to-one support.
John Brenan, Corporate Affairs Lead at Leeds Building Society, said:
“We’re pleased to be able to offer this funding and celebrate our mutual roots by giving back to communities and empowering people across the UK into safe and secure housing.
“We were impressed by Rowan Alba’s commitment to the community around them and the continued support and stability that they offer individuals with complex needs in a compassionate way and without judgement. They are the only Scottish organisation to receive a grant from the fund.”
Karen Barr, Chief Executive Officer of Rowan Alba, said:
“In Edinburgh’s continued housing emergency, the generous grant from Leeds Building Society’s Fund 150 programme will help more vulnerable individuals move out of homelessness into a settled home.
“We will be able to train more staff to provide effective one-to-one support and activities to help people improve their health, feel part of a community and keep their home for good.”
