Rethinking Rehabilitation: Why Housing Must Be at the Heart of Recovery

At Social Interest Group (SIG), we stand by a simple truth: people thrive when they have somewhere to settle, somewhere that feels like theirs. For those pushed to the margins of the housing system, having a place to call home isn’t just about shelter; it’s about reclaiming stability, dignity, and the chance to rebuild.

Our work focuses on delivering Social Rented Homes, a model that breaks away from the rigid frameworks of traditional social housing. Instead of being defined by bureaucracy and narrow eligibility, our approach is shaped by local need and built on human connection. These homes are designed to be affordable, yes, but also to be places of quality, care, and support. They are spaces where people can recover, grow, and feel a sense of belonging.

However, delivering this vision is not without its challenges.
Organisations like ours face significant barriers in accessing enough suitable accommodation. Much of the housing stock available to us is worn down and uninspiring, not because we lack ambition, but because we’re constrained by what we can afford. Local authority contracts often come with razor-thin margins, leaving little room for investment in better-quality housing. We’re frequently reliant on renting from private landlords and housing associations, both of which are under their own pressures.

The wider housing landscape isn’t helping. There’s an unremitting emphasis on building “affordable homes,” yet these are often priced far beyond the reach of people on housing benefits. What’s missing is a serious commitment to socially rentable housing — homes that are genuinely accessible to those who need them most.

Despite these challenges, our mission remains clear. We continue to provide homes that serve as stepping stones for people navigating complex life journeys. Some of our properties support individuals leaving the criminal justice system, offering a stable base from which to rebuild. Others are tailored for people living with personality disorders, providing the consistency, and understanding they need to recover and thrive.

In every case, the principle is the same: secure housing transforms lives. It eases the strain on public services, improves health outcomes, and strengthens communities. When someone has a place, they can rely on – not just physically, but emotionally – they can begin to reconnect with family, pursue employment, and plan for a future that once felt out of reach.

At SIG, we’re not just filling voids, we’re building pathways. Through creative partnerships and bold thinking, we’re bridging gaps in provision and championing recovery, reablement, and resettlement. But to truly rethink rehabilitation, we must also rethink housing. That means investing in homes that people can afford, valuing the support services that make recovery possible, and recognising that a decent place to live isn’t a privilege, it’s a platform for change.