Published yesterday, ‘From the Pits to the Ritz’ shows not just the positive transformation of people’s lives at the charity’s Thorntree homes for life in Leith, but also the savings it makes for the capital.

Thorntree provides unique trauma-informed supported homes for life. Over the past 15 years, Rowan Alba has successfully supported over 70 men off the streets, without imposing conditions relating to alcohol consumption and tailored to the needs of the individual.

This has led to savings through reduced involvement with the criminal justice system and health and social services. More importantly, it has provided dignified lives to the tenants.

The report, an independent evaluation, indicates the savings and life-changing support at Thorntree through cost analysis, expert and tenant testimony.

Such testimony includes:

“I probably would have died out there with that way of life.”

“In a way these people saved my life.”

“The best move I have ever done…I’ve changed my life here.”

An abridged version of the report is available here.