Call for the public to help tackle ‘misery of homelessness’

MSPs are appealing to the public for ideas on how to tackle the “misery of homelessness”.

Holyrood’s local government and communities committee wants to find out more about the reasons why people become homeless and whether the services available to those facing housing crises are working effectively.

The committee has issued a call for evidence and also plans to examine international homelessness policies in a bid to find improvements.

MSPs visited homeless women and men in emergency accommodation and shelters in Perthshire, Edinburgh and Glasgow to find out information and met with housing and homelessness charities.

Committee convener Bob Doris said: “Our committee also want to explore best practice internationally when it comes to tackling homelessness.

“For example, in Finland the ‘housing first’ model aims to offer housing as quickly as possible.

“The idea being that once the person has a stable home they can address issues that caused them to be at risk of homelessness in the first place.”

Homeless charity Simon Community Scotland volunteer Eddie, 61, who was homeless for two years after the death of his partner led to a nervous breakdown, called on homeless people to contact the committee with their views.

He said: “Looking back now, I know that I rushed into a new relationship out of grief and it was the wrong thing to do.

“I ended up inheriting my new partner’s debts and this eventually led to me having a nervous breakdown.

“I was at a really low point in my life.

“I was drinking a lot and had suicidal thoughts.

“I lost my home, my family, and felt completely isolated.”

Eddie, who is now living in Lanarkshire, said working for the charity has given him his life back.

He added: “I’d encourage homeless people, groups and the general public to send across their views to the Holyrood committee.

“This is a chance for your voice to be heard.”