Homelessness in Scotland

55,227 households became homeless in Scotland in 2010-11 - that's about 90,000 people, or a town the size of Paisley. One-third are children or young people under the age of 18.

Home means:

• shelter, sanitation and comfort
• privacy – sharing with the people you choose
• security – knowing you can stay there and be safe
• affordability – knowing you can pay the rent or mortgage
• community – it's in a neighbourhood where you have your place.

Homelessness means – not having one or more of those things.

Homelessness means insecurity, uncertainty, boredom, poor diet, poor health, disrupted schooling, stress, being pushed to the margins. That can lead to damaged relationships, depression, unemployment, use of drink or drugs. It works both ways – sometimes these things lead to homelessness.

Homelessness is a waste of human potential.