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Bethany Homemaker is a part of Bethany Christian Trust, an Edinburgh based charity established in 1983 in response to the growing problem of homelessness in the city.
In 2008 the Trust now has a full Seven Level “Continuum of Care” which can potentially help someone sleeping rough on the city streets resettle in a home of their own in the community in full independence.
Homemaker exists to help families and individuals on low incomes access furniture, floor coverings, electrical appliances, and other household essentials to “turn their houses into homes.”
Where social fund help is not available, we can fundraise on the clients’ behalf. We believe that our clients should have the right to choose the goods they require and that the quality of these goods should be of the highest standard possible. We provide an extensive range of both new and second hand goods. All of our electrical appliances are guaranteed and an installation service is provided.
Homemaker can help anyone on a low income or those on state benefits. People who are referred for help may have a variety of needs: lone parents, those suffering from learning difficulties, asylum seekers, people dealing with drug or alcohol addiction issues, or people moving from short-stay hostel accommodation into a tenancy in the community are just a few examples.
Homemaker works on a referral basis only. Referrals can be made by recognised caring, community, public health or social work service organisations. Referrals should be made by telephone to (0131) 478 7330. Homemaker also conducts surgeries at the Community Links Centre, Nicholson Square, every second Thursday from 10am to 12 Noon. All clients are interviewed by project staff to assess their needs and targeted fundraising is conducted on a bespoke basis. If we are successful raising money for the individual, a visit to our stockroom is arranged for goods to be chosen up to the value of the grant, and delivery details are arranged at the same time. In 2007 we helped to furnish 809 households.
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