SFHA warns radical change needed to tackle homelessness

Commenting on this week’s release of the latest homelessness statistics published by the Scottish Government, Sally Thomas, Chief Executive, of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said:  “With nearly 18,500 people seeking homelessness support between April and September last year, these figures give a clear warning there is more work to be done to end homelessness in Scotland."

“The Housing Options approach has helped to manage the homelessness process, but we are yet to see real changes in the underlying drivers of homelessness.

“Providing more good quality, affordable homes is an important part of the solution, but it is not the only part. The figures revealing the time families are spending in temporary accommodation highlight that local authorities and partners need more resources to support people so that homelessness, if it can’t be prevented, is as brief as possible.

“SFHA is calling for a radical change in how we help people experiencing homelessness – so that there is ‘no wrong door’ – by extending powers to housing associations to undertake homelessness assessments and making additional resources available to help people in need.

“We are working closely with government and other stakeholders on this as part of implementing Rapid Rehousing and a range of other measures to eradicate homelessness.”