Churches push on homelessness target
Seminar reviews progress on homelessness in Scotland since 2002 – and calls for ‘big push’
Scottish Churches Housing Action and the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland are holding a seminar entitled Homelessness: achieving the 2012 pledge?, at the City Chambers, Edinburgh on Friday 30 September at 10.30 am. The seminar will examine progress on tackling homelessness in Scotland, in the run-up to 2012, the target year set by the Scottish Government for offering entitlement to a settled home for most homeless people1.
The Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown MSP, is one of the speakers. Keith Brown said:
“The voluntary sector makes a valuable contribution to tackling and preventing homelessness and addressing wider housing issues in Scotland. Scottish Churches Housing Action plays an invaluable role in addressing these issues with its volunteers providing front-line services that help those experiencing homelessness.”
Rev Sally Fulton, Vice-Convener of Church & Society Council, added:
“Homelessness is a frightening, disenfranchising experience for too many people. We must see its eradication as a priority in Scotland. The role of the church centres on the radical hospitality embodied in the gospel - a place for everyone round the table, a place for everyone in the community - that must begin with a sheltered space for everyone.”
Churches Housing’s Chief Executive Alastair Cameron said:
"This is a key event for us in the lead-up to 2012. There is a long-standing pledge to homeless people. We know this is a difficult time with rising unemployment and cuts in service budgets, but we need a big push to deliver."
