We need action on harrowing toll of homelessness

THE filthy conditions Marius Samavicius endured during his time in temporary accommodation are simply unacceptable.

Marius shared his story about his time in Glasgow’s Copland Hotel while he was officially homeless.

He felt “scared” and “hungry” and had to sleep in a dirty, bug-ridden room on a soiled bed.

When he was moved to a new room it was even worse.

His experience is harrowing but sadly it is not an isolated one.

Colin McInnes, chairman of Homeless Project Scotland, told how his organisation has complained several times about this hotel.

He also makes the valid point that Marius and others like him are victims of a system that lacks compassion and doesn’t care.

Marius himself told the Record that it felt like no one cared about the conditions people had to live in.

Thankfully, he has managed to secure better accommodation but he has spoken out to help other homeless people who end up in similar circumstances.

It is to his credit he has told his story but it is disappointing that he was ever put in the type of situation where speaking out was even necessary. It is shameful to think this is happening in modern Scotland.

Homeless people should be helped to get back on track with dignity. They should not be dumped in unfit hostels and treated with an utter lack of care or respect.

The type of accommodation Marius was living in doesn’t come cheap at more than £200 a week, but it doesn’t appear to be money well spent.

The number of families in temporary accommodation has risen by 12 per cent in the last year.

Catering for thousands of people who find themselves without permanent homes is clearly a way some hotel owners and landlords can make a very good living.

It is vital local authorities make sure the accommodation provided allows people to live with dignity and respect and that the tax payer receives value for money.

New statistics from the National Records of Scotland this week showed an increase in the number of people who died when homeless in 2020.

If we do not address the concerns raised by Marius and campaigners, then there is a very real risk that the statistics around temporary accommodation and homeless deaths in Scotland could get even worse.

The situation has been described as a “national scandal” and it is hard to argue with that assessement.

Hopefully our politicians at local and national level are paying attention.