Dignity and security of a roof overhead

With local authority budgets squeezed to breaking point and beyond in many cases as Covid adds to the huge strain on public services, it is instructive that Dundee City Council should choose to spend further millions on tackling the intractable problem of homelessness in the city.

Councillors have a duty to make decision for all of society.

Policies that look to improve the lot of those who have nothing – those who literally find themselves out on the street in all weathers and all seasons – are to be welcomed.

There are myriad reasons why an individual should become homeless – from challenging familial and work-related circumstances to addiction and downright bad luck.

More often than not it is a combination of circumstances.

But a measure of a progressive society is that it does not turn the other cheek and rather provides help and support to those who are vulnerable.

Anyone who finds themselves without shelter at night falls into that category.

Dundee City Council’s plans to build new capacity – and to embrace the Housing First model advocated by Social Bite entrepreneur Josh Littlejohn – is a step in the right direction towards the goal of eliminating homelessness for good in Dundee.

Some may not agree that spending hard-to-come-by public funds in this manner is money well spent.

But spend a winter’s night under the stars and that viewpoint would likely change.

Everyone deserves the dignity and security of a roof above their head.