More than 60 women and children experiencing homelessness in Scotland are restarting their lives, thanks to a £7.7m investment from the Women in Safe Homes Fund.

The homes, delivered in partnership with Scottish homelessness charity Cyrenians, are supporting women and children, including women fleeing domestic abuse, and families at risk of homelessness.

The investment, from the Women in Safe Homes fund, which was launched by Resonance in partnership with Patron Capital, has provided homes in Edinburgh for women and children at a critical point in their lives. The partnership with Cyrenians started in 2023, with the final property being handed over this month.

There are currently 10,480 children trapped in temporary accommodation in Scotland, according to Shelter Scotland, highlighting the need for more safe, affordable housing.

Women and children who move into a Cyrenians’ home are provided not only with a roof over their head but also access to specialist support services to help them recover from trauma, tackle mental health issues, build confidence, live with independence, find employment and build financial resilience.

For example, mother-of-two Hanna found herself in a shelter after fleeing domestic violence. Thanks to the Women in Safe Homes Fund and Cyrenians, her family was able to move into a refurbished flat in Edinburgh.

Hanna said: “Having a place to live has made us feel positive again, and the children have started to get their confidence back. Since moving into the flat, I’ve started to feel that I can make decisions for myself and choose my own life again.”

Amy Hutton, Director of Services at Cyrenians, said: “Safe, stable housing is the foundation for rebuilding lives. For the women and children we support, having a place to call home means more than just a roof over their heads – it brings security, dignity and the chance to begin again.

“This partnership with the Women in Safe Homes fund allows us to reach more families at a critical moment, providing not only high-quality homes but the tailored support needed to help them move towards a more positive and independent future.”

The properties are a mixture of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes. All have been refurbished by the fund and are located close to local amenities including public transport, shops and schools.

Tom Compton, Property Fund Manager for Resonance’s Women in Safe Homes fund, said: “This investment shows how social impact capital can play a meaningful role in tackling homelessness among women and children. By working with Cyrenians, we’re able to ensure these homes are not only safe and good quality, but also part of a wider support system that helps people rebuild their lives.

“The Women in Safe Homes fund is focused on delivering long-term change, and projects like this demonstrate how investment can create both social impact and sustainable housing solutions for those who need them most.”

Juan Du, Investment Director at Patron Capital, said: “Embedding positive social impact into every business decision is fundamental to how we operate at Patron. The Women in Safe Homes fund is a powerful example of how capital can be deployed with purpose, providing safe, secure housing for vulnerable women when they need it most, while setting a benchmark for what socially responsible real estate investment can achieve.”