Street Connect

Street Connect supports men and women in their recovery from drug and alcohol addictions and related issues such as homelessness and mental health problems.

Through their move-on flats, Street Connect are able to offer move-on accommodation for people who are substance-free – often having completed a period in residential rehabilitation - but who need light touch support for a period of time – usually 6 – 18 months but may be longer - before living independently. This support is vital, as many give up their homes to enter residential rehabilitation, and research shows that people who have formerly been in addiction are more likely to relapse, and therefore increase their vulnerability to becoming homeless, without appropriate aftercare support.

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What did the project do?

With the support of Quaker Housing Trust , Street Connect bought their Tarfside Gardens property in March 2025. The property is a two-bedroom flat in the Cardonald area of Glasgow. It is a first floor flat situated close to local amenities and bus routes take participants to either Glasgow or Paisley.

In April 2025 their first tenant, Robert moved in.

Robert had recently completed a residential recovery program down in the Borders. 

Prior to this Robert was in addiction for over 25 years and struggled to maintain a flat.

With the flat and the support of Street Connect he is now successfully maintaining his tenancy and developing the skills needed for independent living.

He has also began to look at jobs and prospects beyond recovery. The flat has been a safe space for Robert to work from building relationships with family nearby and looking to start a career in supporting others like him. 

Robert has currently started an internship and a vocational qualification with Street Connect and has shown a real desire to learn from the Support Workers around him.

Robert with his lived experience and training is becoming a valued member of the Street Connect team. He is currently supporting them with all aspects of operations including recovery groups and one to one support.  He greatly values the support he has been given and now wants to pay that forward and help support more men and women on their recovery journey. 

Robert attends a church at the end of the road and is a 10-minute bus ride from his family. He serves at his local church and loves the location. Robert’s plan is to stay maybe another year and then in that time find his own tenancy.

What impact did it have on people experiencing homelessness?

As noted above there are close links between drug and alcohol addiction and homelessness. Street Connect’s move on accommodation provides a home for people at a crucial time in their recovery journey when they are highly vulnerable to becoming homeless.

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"We are very grateful to the support of the Quaker Housing Trust which over the last 10 years has enabled us to purchase 4 flats(7 bed spaces) that have played a vital role in the recovery journeys of many men and women."

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