Homelessness in Scotland is on the rise again. In 2016-2017, 34,100 homelessness applications were made. Latest figures saw a 2% increase in applications for housing assistance. There’s been a 10% increase in the number of children facing homelessness in the last year. In August 2017, there were an estimated 800 rough sleepers in Scotland. Analysis from researchers at Heriot Watt University predicts that things are only going to get worse – with an estimated 53% increase to be seen in the number of rough sleepers over the next 20 years.
Shelter published the following diagram, which highlights that single males make up nearly half of all homeless individuals in Scotland.
Shelter helped 21,145 people in need last year and actively tackles homelessness and housing problems in Scotland
The Beast from the East
The Beast From the East has hit the UK hard. Scotland has been issued with amber and red weather warnings. This is serious, you guys. Red weather warnings equate to “risk to life”. While most of us rushed home from work to the warmth of our heated flats and excitedly made hot chocolates because any excuse, others are not so lucky.
In this current treacherous weather, the homeless are likely to suffer massively – especially rough sleepers. I’ve put together information on charities and shelters that can provide help and shelter to those in need of a bed and hot meal over the next few nights. If you see someone who looks like they need help, please approach them and offer to reach out to a charity. Even just buying them a sandwich and a coffee would make a huge difference. Compassion and empathy is crucial at times like these, when the homeless are most vulnerable.
GET INSIDE | Or please encourage someone you’re worried about to get inside. For help, street outreach or winter shelter services from @Abdn_Cyrenians in Aberdeen. @street_work & @_BethanyCT in Edinburgh. @SimonCommScot, @GCMcare and @LHM_Glasgow in Glasgow. https://t.co/ecvFzubBpf
— a home for all of us (@GHNtweets) February 27, 2018
Edinburgh
Shelter – www.scotland.shelter.org.uk – 0808 800 4444
Streetwork – www.streetwork.org.uk – 0808 178 2323
Bethany Christian Trust – http://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Signposting-leaflet-updated-Sep-2017-4.pdf
St John’s Episcopal Church
Edinburgh St Johns Church (corner Princes St /Lothian Rd open tonight as emergency shelter.
Please retweet and if you come across anyone homeless let them know— ali (@alibali50) February 28, 2018
Meadowbank Parish Church
Glasgow
Glasgow City Mission
Our street team are out just now, letting people know we care about them, encouraging them to get inside & doing all they can to ensure they have somewhere safe to sleep tonight. We’re open at our city centre project for hot food & company and the night shelter will open at 10pm. pic.twitter.com/nnMzQmBpm7
— Glasgow City Mission (@GCMcare) February 28, 2018
Glasgow Night Shelter – 07555 591 466 / 0141 221 2630 – 35 East Campbell Street, G1 5DT
The Simon Community Street Team – 0800 027 7466
Dundee
Homeless Services Unit – 01382 432001 (24hrs) – East District Housing Ofice, 169 Pitkerro Road, Dundee DD4 8ES
Night Ministry – 07999 872 928 /01382 871144 – www.nightministry.co.uk
Aberdeen
Aberdeen Cyrenians – 01224 625 732 / 07870 230 692 (out of hours) – Street Alternatives, 62 Summer Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1SD
Elsewhere
If you don’t know who else to call, please call 111. The Police Scotland phone teams will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Look out for each other
At the end of the day, we need to have each other’s backs. If you’re passionate about the safety of homeless people and want to push the Scottish Government to do more, contact your local MP. Ask them for their opinions on the effectiveness of current legislation and what they think could be done to improve it. Show you care. Show you’re not going to let this issue slide. Show that you believe every human has the right to more than concrete for a bed.