The Talbot Association, Glasgow’s largest provider of homeless accommodation, is behind the initiative and aims to support residents beyond crisis care toward long-term stability.
Named The Lighthouse Project, the hub will be based at Kingston Halls and offer counselling, structured activities, and employability support to help individuals rebuild their lives.
Michael O’Neill, deputy chief executive and director of development at The Talbot Association, said: “We have been quietly supporting Glasgow for more than 50 years, but many people don’t realise the scale of what happens inside our buildings.
“We belong to Glasgow, and the people we support belong to Glasgow.
“The Lighthouse Project is about creating a space where recovery is possible – it’s about more than providing a bed for the night.
“Our aim is to offer meaningful support that helps people move forward.”
Michael highlighted the growing awareness of the link between trauma and homelessness.
He said: “There is now a much greater understanding of the role trauma plays in homelessness.
“For many people, their system is in constant fight-or-flight mode.
“Providing counselling, meaningful activity and a sense of community can help calm that and allow people to start rebuilding their lives.”
The Talbot Association operates six supported accommodation sites across Glasgow and serves approximately 200,000 meals each year.
A partnership with Glasgow Clyde College will see trainee counsellors working alongside structured activities, and the scheme will also offer arts, mindfulness, digital inclusion, and employability training.
The organisation eventually plans to involve people with lived experience of homelessness in shaping and delivering parts of the project.
The Talbot Association was founded in 1970 by Vincent Buchanan and a group of volunteers as a soup kitchen during a period of severe homelessness in Glasgow.
It now provides supported accommodation with private rooms and shower facilities.
The charity is named after Matt Talbot, the Irish figure known for his recovery from addiction, whose life has inspired its mission.
Last year marked the centenary of Matt Talbot’s death, which the charity marked with a special Mass and reflection on his message of dignity, hope, and recovery.
The Lighthouse Project aims to address what the charity calls a ‘recovery gap’ by supporting people to progress from stability toward improved wellbeing, confidence, and active participation in training, volunteering, or paid work.
The launch comes at a time of increasing financial strain within the social care sector.
The Talbot Association largely relies on housing benefit for funding and receives no dedicated public funding for its food provision.
Its meals programme is supported through donations, including contributions from food supplier Dunns Food and Drinks, which is currently marking its 150th anniversary.
Julie Dunn, managing director of Dunns Food and Drinks, said: “The Talbot Association has been part of Glasgow’s social fabric for decades.
“They provide not only safe accommodation, but dignity, care, and food to people who would otherwise go without.
“The Lighthouse Project is a natural and important next step, taking a holistic view of the challenges facing many of the people the charity supports.”
Fundraising for the project is still underway, and the charity hopes to launch the hub in the coming months.
The Talbot Association is inviting further community support to help make the project a reality and extend its impact.
