IN ONE OF COUNTRY’S MOST FAMOUS GRAVEYARDS
web
months living under arches at St Cuthbert’s Church in Princes Street.
Kevin said his life snowballed into chaos after the loss of a job and his home.
He said: “I worked as a roads labourer right up to my 30s before a company I was with went out of business. “In a short time, I lost everything. “I moved in with my parents but that didn’t work out and I ended up on the streets.
“There are far too many people in the same position. Halfway houses would be good, where people can get off the
Sunday Mail
shelter. Outreach services visit regularly to offer support and advice and help people access accommodation and other services.
“Tackling homelessness is a priority for us and our task force has already made recommendations, many of which focus on providing extra help for people rough sleeping.
“We’re also expanding rapid-access accommodation which has been incredibly successful in helping people to stop rough sleeping, and beginning a programme of Housing First in the city.”
Kevin Stewart, Minister for Housing said: “The Scottish Government has worked hard to prevent and reduce homelessness.
“In 2012, we initiated world-leading legislation to ensure everyone who finds themselves homeless through no fault o f the ir ow n i s ent i t led to accommodation.
“Alongside our proactive, preventative Housing Options approach, this has seen homelessness applications drop by 39 per cent over the last decade.”