An Edinburgh homelessness charity has highlighted three areas of urgent political action it says are needed to tackle the housing crisis.
With the 2026 Scottish Parliament election approaching, Rowan Alba will be asking the new MSPs and Scottish Government to address some key challenges facing people affected by homelessness, addiction, social isolation and ongoing complex needs.
The charity provides accommodation for homeless people who are not equipped to manage a home due to their trauma-related lifestyle and health concerns.
Karen Barr, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Homelessness is a scourge on our society. We regularly hear that the solution to homelessness is to build more houses and, while that may be the answer for some, it doesn’t meet the needs of the significant minority for whom a roof over their head is simply not enough.”
The three areas Rowan Alba are highlighting for the people they support are:
- It’s not just about housing: There needs to be provision for homeless people who do not have the life skills to look after themselves and for whom a roof over their head is just part of the support they need. These are people who need settled accommodation with 24/7 support. Recent figures from Edinburgh City Council highlight that around 50% of homeless people applying for accommodation have support needs; 35% of this group will require ongoing, intensive support for complex physical and mental health issues
- Permanent, settled support is vital: Homelessness provision and support needs to invest in, understand and address the root problems which people who find themselves without a home often face; this includes social isolation, mental health issues and addiction
- Third Sector services are at crisis point: Rather than relying on charities to constantly respond to emergency situations, Scotland’s housing strategy must build in provision for more settled and supported accommodation for people who cannot manage on their own and who require round-the-clock support to stay in their homes
Barr added: “What the people we support often need, and what we as a society need to provide, is settled accommodation with support, to get them off the streets and, ultimately, into jobs.
“We call on every political party in Scotland and every MSP elected to the Scottish Parliament in May to consider what resources should and could be allocated to settled accommodation providers across Scotland. We need to change these people’s lives for the better and make Scotland a great place to live – for everyone.”
Main image: Karen Barr, chief executive, Rowan Alba
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