GILRUTH LEADS EVENT TO DISCUSS HOMELESSNESS IN SCOTLAND

Published date : 15 Oct 2018

GILRUTH LEADS EVENT TO DISCUSS HOMELESSNESS IN SCOTLAND

Fife MSP, Jenny Gilruth, recently led an event alongside her SNP colleague, Joanna Cherry MP, to discuss Crisis Scotland’s latest report into homelessness Scotland.

The national homelessness charity offer one to one support, advice and courses for thousands of homeless people across the country. Crisis Scotland’s latest report, Life in Limbo, documents the latest research report into the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation in Scotland.

Last week First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced the Scottish Government are to award £6.5 million to homeless charity, Social Bite. The funding will allow the charity to help lift up to 830 people out of homelessness for good over the next three years through the Housing First Programme.

Jenny Gilruth MSP has helped conduct extensive research into the issue in her role as a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government Committee. Earlier this year, the Committee called for more to be done to help homeless people find permanent accommodation following a visit to Finland – the only European country where homelessness has declined over recent years.

Commenting, Ms Gilruth said:

“Crisis Scotland’s latest report highlights the need for a permanent solution to end homelessness. Unfortunately, too many homeless people find themselves in unsuitable temporary accommodation, such as B&Bs, for prolonged periods of time.

“The Local Government Committee heard directly from people who are homeless as well as service providers on the front-line. It was clear that further action was needed and there was great deal to learn from Finland’s Housing First Programme.

“I am therefore delighted that the First Minister has pledged a £6.5 million investment into Social Bite’s Housing First programme. The announcement will not take the number of people helped through the programme up to 830 over the next three years with support from local authorities, third sector and housing providers.

“This is a major milestone in the fight against homelessness in Scotland. The Housing First Programme helps people sustain a tenancy and break the cycle of homelessness.

Local Reporters, Glenrothes Gazette, Courier (Fife), HOUSING