Transform Community Development and the Housing First Dundee Programme: Maxine's Story

Between 2018 and 2021, Transform Community Development led the Housing First Dundee pathfinder and subsequently mainstreamed the programme after Social Bite’s involvement ended. This mainstreaming was achieved through an innovative strategy integrated into Dundee City Council’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan. Resources were reallocated by closing temporary hostel accommodations and reinvesting them into the development and expansion of the Housing First programme.

In partnership with the Salvation Army, Dundee Survival Group, and We Are With You (formerly Addaction), Transform Community Development worked to support individuals experiencing homelessness into stable, permanent housing. The programme focused on providing stability for those facing trauma, addiction, or mental ill-health.

One participant, Maxine, has faced lifelong struggles with addiction and trauma, including the loss of her brother to overdose and multiple failed tenancies caused by abandonment, rent arrears, and anti-social behaviour. She also experienced “cuckooing,” leading to assault and hospitalization. Between tenancies, Maxine lived in temporary hostel accommodation, which worsened her mental and physical health challenges.

Maxine’s involvement in the Housing First pathfinder was transformative. In 2020, she moved from hostel accommodation into a flat near her mother’s home. Initially skeptical about the support available, she received comprehensive assistance from the Housing Support Team. They helped furnish and carpet her flat, supported her engagement with Dundee Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service, and assisted with tenancy management skills such as budgeting and being a good neighbour. They also facilitated her access to urgent medical care and encouraged participation in a community arts programme, helping her build new social connections beyond her previous network.

As Maxine’s situation improved, her support needs gradually decreased—from over 20 hours of weekly support at the start to just a few hours currently. The programme remains flexible and participant-focused, allowing for re-entry without further assessment should Maxine’s support needs increase.

The Housing Support Team is actively working with over 90 individuals in Dundee, providing innovative and intensive support to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

For more information about the Housing Support services, please visit our website at: Housing First in Dundee