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Scottish homelessness charity chief executive steps down after 26 years
The chief executive and founder of a Scottish charity that offers permanent tenancies to people with a history of homelessness and alcohol dependency is stepping down after 26 years at the helm.
Helen Carlin, who founded Edinburgh-based Rowan Alba in 1997, will be replaced today by Karen Barr.
Ms Barr previously worked at Angus Council, Home in Scotland and was chief executive of assisted living facility Abbeyfield Scotland from 2018 to 2022.
Ms Carlin began her career as a housing visitor at the City of Edinburgh Council in 1985. Following a variety of jobs with housing associations, she was seconded from Age Concern Scotland to the Novas Ouverture Group.
Ms Carlin founded Rowan Alba in 1997 with the aim of creating a new approach to homelessness, which also addressed the strategic issues behind it.
Rowan Alba’s first service was at-home community support for people who were in danger of becoming homeless due to a problematic relationship with alcohol.
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The service was extended in 2004 to a 12-flat ‘homes for life’ supported accommodation centre on Thorntree Street in Leith, which was created in partnership with housing association Bield and Edinburgh Council.
Thorntree Street has delivered 24-hour support for the past 19 years, giving a home to many men who were deemed unsuitable for any other form of accommodation.
The charity also provides befriending services and support services for women.
In a statement, Rowan Alba said that Ms Carlin’s work has touched the lives of some of the most vulnerable and misunderstood people in society, culminating in the opening of Thorntree Mill, Rowan Alba’s second homes for life scheme in September 2022.
Ms Carlin said: “There is an answer to street homelessness. We are the only organisation in the UK offering homes for life to those with a history of repeat homelessness.
“Current Scottish government plans do not accommodate the significant numbers of rough sleepers and repeat homeless people.
“Rowan Alba knows these people well and these are the people whom we support every day at Thorntree Street.
“The development at Thorntree Mill delivers the same pioneering service, offering safe and secure permanent accommodation, support with physical and emotional health and help with accepting and managing alcohol use for service users.
“I am enormously grateful to our funding partners, our staff and our volunteers.”
Ms Barr said: “I am delighted to carry on the fantastic work of Rowan Alba in providing vital services to the most vulnerable in our society.
“To do this in a safe and secure environment is a privilege; Helen has so much to be proud of and her legacy is substantial.
“I will continue to develop the Thorntree model and look forward to working with the amazing staff who make a difference to the lives of others on a daily basis.”
