The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Expert claims only cash can cure homelessness
Housing association director also criticises charity event in article
The director of Angus Housing Association has said the Scottish Government must spend money to ensure its new policy on tackling homelessness will succeed.
The government has developed a new action plan and given its backing to Housing First.
This is a new scheme that will see people given a permanent home as soon as possible and then support to address other needs, such as addiction issues.
Currently, homeless people often stay in temporary accommodation until they are ready for a tenancy.
Bruce Forbes, director of Angus Housing Association, said the new scheme will only succeed with proper funding.
Writing for Scottish Housing News in a personal capacity, he said: “From experience, its chances of success are pretty poor. Homelessness is a far more complex problem than just finding someone a home.
“To even make a genuine attempt to end it needs a long-term commitment to people with the complex mental health and addiction issues that need intensive, and very expensive, support at far greater levels of investment than is currently prioritised.
“In many cases needs committed, experienced, highly qualified and consequently, well-paid staff and coordinated services if success rates are to increase.”
Mr Forbes also criticised the Sleep in the Park event, which raises money for the Social Bite charity.
He said: “There seems to me to be a certain lack of taste, even respect, in predominantly well-off middle-class people raising money for those unfortunate enough to still be homeless by, for one night only, trying to replicate what the poorest in our society have to suffer every day of their lives.
“Of course, the fundraisers are also having a ‘good night out’, protected by top-of-the-range sleeping bags – no cardboard boxes here – and without the indignity of being kicked or spat on by drunken passers-by.
“I wonder if they feel any pangs of guilt or can see the irony when they take a nip to keep out the cold. Do they wonder what falling off the wagon might do to some of those they are trying to help?”
Social Bite’s website states alcohol is forbidden at all events. A spokesman said: “Sleep in the Park isn’t about replicating homelessness. It’s about offering a tiny glimpse into this brutal reality, but more importantly raising awareness and funds to help people that have no choice but to sleep rough every night.
“With the funds raised we hope to help 830 people off the streets throughout Scotland including 100 people in Dundee.”
Around 12,000 people are expected to take part in this year’s four sleep-outs.