Sturgeon supports shelters for rough sleepers
New measures are being put in place to help prevent Scots from having to sleep on the streets this winter.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday pledged the Scottish Government would immediately implement all the recommendations from an expert group set up to examine how to end the problem of rough sleeping. The move will be backed by a £328,000 commitment. Measures include increasing temporary and emergency accommodation in edinburgh by expanding winter shelter capacity from 60 to 75 places, with an addition of 12 “rapid access beds”.
Outreach work to help the homeless will be increased in Glasgow, Aberdeen and possibly Dundee. Use of the Nightstop scheme, where volunteers provide emergency accommodation for up to two weeks, is to be maximised in Edinburgh. Work will also be carried out to set up a similar project in Glasgow.
Frontline staff will be given funds to help individuals with an immediate housing need.