Poverty campaigner calls for new approach

Leading East Kilbride poverty campaigner Denis Curran has seen the devastating effects of homelessness first hand.

He runs Loaves and Fishes Foodbank based in the town and has also worked with the homeless in Glasgow for many years.

And the latest statistics come as no surprise to him.

Denis told the News:“We are seeing more and more people come through the doors of the foodbank who are facing the real prospect of losing their homes which is heartbreaking.

“It is a hidden issue in East Kilbride in many ways as you don’t see so many people sleeping rough as you do in Glasgow for example.

“But it’s there – folk are sofa surfing, staying with friends who are also struggling and relying on foodbanks.

“And if homelessness wasn’t an issue why would we need Lindsay House homeless unit who we have worked with in the past.”

Denis went:“But homelessness is far from simple – it’s not the root problem it’s a consequence of many other issues.

“And until these issues – whether it be drug or alcohol addiction or mental health issues – are tackled sadly nothing will change.

“People need proper help to rebuild their lives. But the homeless are seen as second class citizens not worth bothering about.

“As long as the right boxes are ticked the powers-that be don’t care.”

Denis added:“It’s a vicious circle, people become trapped so it is vital the problems which lead to homelessness in the first place are seriously tackled at all levels.

“We have veterans suffering from complex issues finding themselves with no roof over their heads and I have personal experience of dealing with folk who in the winter, or run up to Christmas who would rather be in jail than on the street as they have three meals a day and a warm bed to sleep in – that’s not right and something needs to change. People need hope not to be shunned.”