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About us

Discover how we are ending homelessness in Scotland

We are a national charity dedicated to ending homelessness in Scotland, one person, one family and one community at a time.

Our mission is to relieve the suffering and meet the long term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland. To do this we partner with communities, churches, organisations, local and national government, to offer tailored support and services.

Our Services

Designed to meet people’s needs

We’re ending homelessness in Scotland with three streams of support designed to meet people’s needs and bring long lasting change. Our integrated approach means we are there for people at every stage in their journey as we seek to prevent homelessness, intervene in crisis and sustain people in their own homes. 

Our Values

 

We seek to put Christian love into action and demonstrate the transforming impact of the Gospel in all that we do.

Love is our standard

We serve others

We value the whole person

Our History

In 1983 Alan Berry led South Leith Baptist Church, where he would regularly encounter people who were homeless and looking for help. He realised the need for a lasting solution beyond handouts at the door. Together with his wife Anne, and the support of the wider church, he founded Bethany Christian Trust to address the homelessness and poverty they witnessed in their local area of Leith, Edinburgh.

They started with Bethany Christian Centre, a residential unit designed to offer care and support to 28 men and women without a home. From these small beginnings, Bethany Christian Trust has grown to support around 7,000 people across the country each year.

As our services have developed, so too has our community of supporters, partners, volunteers and staff, all committed to loving and serving those in need in Scotland. Since we began, Bethany’s work has grown to include over 30 services, 200 staff and almost 3,000 volunteers.

Bethany Christian Centre opens its doors

This service now operates as a supported residential community for men who are homeless and recovering from addiction. 

Care Van starts in partnership with Edinburgh City Mission

The Care Van goes out daily to serve people in crisis on the streets of Edinburgh, offering food, signposting and support.

Bethany House purchased for supported housing

Bethany House currently provides emergency resettlement accommodation for up to 28 men and women who are homeless.

Winter Care Shelter begins

This has developed into the Welcome Centre, which provides emergency accommodation with personalised support in Edinburgh from October to May.

Learning Centre in Leith opens

This space continues to provide a base for community support groups such as the Bugle Magazine, Leith Crafters and Click and Connect sessions.

Support for people leaving prison launches in Glasgow

Our Connect to Community service now works across Scotland helping people build a positive pathway after prison.

Care Van starts in Glasgow

Care Van starts in Glasgow in partnership with Glasgow City Mission. Operating in Royston and Parkhead, the Care Van engages with individuals affected by poverty, isolation, poor health and homelessness.

Anne Hope House is founded

Anne Hope House founded as a Women’s Residential Therapeutic Centre. This community supports women experiencing homelessness or who are on a recovery journey.

Supported Housing launches in Aberdeen

Bethany Homes Aberdeen offers supported flats in the Torry area for people who have a history of homelessness.

Awards and Recognition