Launched in 2019, The Naumann Initiative was aimed at breaking the vicious cycle of homelessness and unemployment, by giving a homeless person a home, a job, and support with any complex needs or barriers to sustaining their tenancy.

The Initiative saw Kingdom create a vacancy within its housing department for a tenancy sustainment officer, ring-fenced for applicants who were homeless.

Due to the high calibre of applicants, the Association was able to identify two suitable candidates and offered employment and secure tenancies to them both.

Eighteen months later, both of the successful candidates remain with Kingdom and continue to make a positive contribution to the work of the organisation.

‘Working Out of Homelessness’, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, sees Kingdom create a further two vacancies ring-fenced for homeless applicants but also expands the scope of the project beyond the Association. Working together with local employers, Kingdom will compile a register of accredited employers who will create additional Naumann vacancies for homeless people.

Kingdom Works, Kingdom Housing Association’s employability project, will provide recruitment support as well as funding for potential employees to gain certification or accredited training as required.

Andrew Latto, interim director of human resources at KHA, said: “Good work brings a sense of purpose, of belonging, of social connection and of self-worth which, during these trying times, are important to us all but especially people making the transition from homelessness. Not only is the Naumann Initiative beneficial to the individuals though - it also allows organisations to tap into a broader talent pool which they may not have considered.

“The Naumann Initiative has had a profound impact on the lives of the two people we recruited not to mention the knock-on benefits for our customers and communities. Imagine the impact if other employers were to do the same thing!”

Bill Banks, chief executive, added: “We’re an organisation with a purpose that extends beyond building and managing homes to building communities and improving the lives of the people in those communities. This is reflected in our mission to provide ‘More Than a Home’. I’m really passionate about the difference good work can make to communities so I’ve been a strong advocate for the Initiative and Kingdom’s Board has been hugely supportive too.”

Employers who want to find out more or feel they can support ‘Working Out of Homelessness’ by creating a vacancy, allowing an individual the life changing opportunity to secure both a job and a home, can contact Jodie Clarke or Lynne Dunn at Kingdom Works by calling 01592 631991 or by emailing kingdomworks@kha.scot.