As we close the chapter on our five-year strategic plan, Mission 2024, I am deeply grateful for the steps God has guided us through. Each one has enabled us to serve more people in need.
Over the past few years, we have seen Bethany Christian Trust expand dynamically – not just in the services we offer, but, we believe, in the depth of our Christian foundation, our unity, and our network of dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners. This growth has allowed us to respond to Scotland’s homelessness crisis with compassion, humility, and agility.
Through the support of our incredible community, we’ve launched 21 new services, serving people at every stage of their journey out of homelessness, from Homelessness Prevention to Crisis Intervention and Housing & Support.
Now, as we step into Dwelling Place 2030, our new six-year strategic plan, we pivot from rapid expansion to maturing our services, ensuring sustainable support that is as enduring as it is transformative.
We are embracing a new metaphor that encapsulates the strategies that will fulfil our vision of ending homelessness in Scotland, one person at a time. At the heart of our strategic plan is the image of a true “home” – a place of safety, warmth, and welcome, grounded on firm foundations.
This “home” is more than just a building; it is a sanctuary where fullness of life and opportunity abound for people, with positive future options and the opportunity to share living hope in community.
As Scotland faces a homelessness crisis, Dwelling Place 2030 prioritises strengthening our foundation, maturing holistic services, and expanding fruitful partnerships with communities, churches, councils, and government.
It is a commitment to tackle the root causes of homelessness while being there for people in moments of crisis and supporting them in finding a place to call home. Each partnership allows us to bring hope and practical help to even more people, recognising that lasting change requires a united response.
In every service, we strive to create a place where people find not just temporary relief, but fullness of life, renewed dignity, and future possibilities. Built upon our faith in God’s heart, this Dwelling Place is a place of shelter and rest for people grappling with homelessness and associated adversities. Here, we will seek to prevent homelessness, to intervene when lives are in crisis, and to offer housing with support.
Dwelling Place 2030 is both a call to action and an invitation. To our volunteers, donors, church, charity, and statutory partners across Scotland—thank you for walking this path with us.
Join us as we strive to build a Scotland where no one is without a place to call home. Despite the external national challenges we face, we move forward in faith and hope, towards a future where homelessness in Scotland is a part of our past.
Alasdair Bennett, Chief Executive
Bethany Christian Trust
You can download the full Dwelling Place 2030 strategy here.
S1: Build on Firm Foundations
We will seek to deepen the roots of our Christian ethos and values, ensuring our mission is bolstered by a steadfast dependence on God and a strong support network for our team.
S2: It’s about People
Our focus will be on nurturing a people-first culture, fostering a supportive environment for staff and volunteers, and developing leadership to sustain the future.
S3: Offer Fullness of Life
We aim to provide comprehensive support through a broad range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of people we serve, from homelessness prevention and crisis intervention, through to Housing & Support.
S4: Warm Welcome & Positive Pathways
We will ensure accessible and trauma-informed services that offer a clear path to independence, underpinned by ongoing support and aimed at achieving positive life outcomes.
S5: Provide Safe Structure
Our commitment is to uphold the highest standards and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all, supported by robust systems, innovative practices, and strong governance.
S6: Generate Provision & Supplies
We aim to grow our diversified funding sources, exploring new enterprise opportunities and enhance our retail presence to build sustainable financial growth.
S7: Share Hope in the Community
By amplifying our collaborative efforts with churches, local governments, and other partners, we will extend our impact, sharing the transformative stories of the lives we touch and equipping communities with hope.