History
Life Housing Scotland has a rich history that dates back to the establishment of various independent branches of the YWCA of Scotland. In 1987, some of these branches merged with an English charity called Christian Alliance (formerly known as Christian Alliance of Women and Girls, founded in 1920), marking a significant turning point for the organisation.
The merged branches included Greenock, Edinburgh (which encompassed Kinnaird Christian Hostel in Coates Crescent and the Craigentinny Christian Centre), and Muslin Street in Glasgow, which operated the hostel known as 'Bethany House', named after the old Bethany Hall. Additionally, a new work started in Glenrothes, Fife, under the name of Gilven House in 1985 which was involved in the merger, though it was not previously a YWCA of Scotland branch.
In 1993, the Christian Alliance decided to establish a separate body, an unregistered Housing Association, originally named 'Christian Alliance (Scotland) Limited', with charitable status, to focus on new housing legislation developments. A Committee of Management was elected, and later, a Director of the Charity was appointed to run and manage the work in Scotland.
In 1994, the parent charity changed its name to KeyChange, and the Christian Alliance became KeyChange Scotland Limited. Then, in 1998, they devolved and became 'Scottish Christian Alliance Limited', reflecting a Scottish 'flavour' and dimension, reminding them of their roots and ethos.
In July 2018, after several years of discussion, SCA and Fife Council decided that Gilven House would be managed by Fife Council. As of 2018, the Scottish Christian Alliance consists of The ARCH Resettlement Centre, a 12-flat complex helping formerly homeless men prepare for independent living with the help of a dedicated and professional team, and multiple Scatter Flats for those requiring less support across Glasgow.
In a significant move towards the future, in April 2024, the Scottish Christian Alliance was rebranded as Life Housing Scotland. This change in name was a strategic decision to better align with the organization's evolving objectives and aims.
Our Mission Statement
Board
The board of trustees is made up of caring and compassionate people from across the all levels of society. They freely give their time to aid and assist staff in helping those who suffer from the blight of homelessness access our services.
Martin Carr, Chairperson
| Name | Martin William Carr BEng(hons). CE. MIMechE |
| Position | Chair of Board of Trustees for SCA |
| Family Life | Married to Linda since 1996 |
| Qualifications | Letters after my name |
| Christian | Gave life to Jesus in 1998 |
| Previous Experience | Engineering officer in merchant navy for 7 years, worked in Saudi Arabia for 2 years, 3 years at university as a mature student studying mechanical engineering, joined BP Chemicals as an engineer at Grangemouth to eventually become a senior operations manager - left after 20 years. Supported Linda setting up her own business (20 years ago). Now actively involved supporting her, working with the Children's Hearing system and of course SCA. |
| Hobbies | Avid reader, cyclist and now grandparent |
| Hope etc.. | Following God's calling - to grow the work to help people have a meaningful and real life! |
Craig Denham, CEO
| Name | Craig Denham |
| Position | CEO |
| Family Life | Married to Lois with two grown up children |
| Qualifications | Registered with SSSC and as well as the HNC holds SVQ level 4 in Care Service management, level 4 in care and a certificate in Training practice |
| Previous Experience | Prior to coming in as CEO part time, Craig served voluntarily on the board of Trustees. |
| Hobbies | Reading music and football (watching not playing) |
Other Trustees
Linda Carr
Sara Copeland
