New Glasgow homeless centre could open by winter
Homeless people said communal shelters had a negative effect on them
- Published
A Glasgow homeless welcome centre where people don't have to sleep in the same room could open in time for the winter.
Glasgow City Council believes there should be no communal night shelters where people sleep in the same spaces in the city, after homeless people spoke about the damaging impact on them.
Councillor Allan Casey, convenor for homelessness, said it is hoped the local authority could secure government funding to open the centre.
Scottish Greens councillor Anthony Carroll said service users previously had negative experiences with shared air night shelters in the city, which was revealed by the Glasgow Homelessness Involvement and Feedback Team (GHIFT).
People had expressed feeling unsafe, disrespected and traumatised, with some opting to sofa surf or sleep rough to avoid staying at a shelter.
Cllr Casey said officers from homelessness services had been discussing the City Mission's operating model for the winter with the charity.
He added: "In addition to those discussions I have had discussions with the cabinet secretary for housing in order to identify what financial assistance will be available to the City Mission from the Scottish Government to support the operation of an accommodation based rapid rehousing welcome centre."
The SNP city politician added that there was already "an exceptional high level of emergency accommodation in the city".
Organisation Homeless Project Scotland run by volunteers have been running a night shelter in the city, which it says provides accommodation and a warm refuge for people so they don't have to sleep on the streets.
But the organisation has had problems gaining planning consent for its premises in the Merchant City.
A Scottish government spokesperson said:
"Nobody should have to sleep rough in Scotland and we are investing to support people at risk of rough sleeping over the coming winter.
"Anyone who is homeless or likely to become homeless soon is entitled to help from any council in Scotland and we expect councils to meet their obligations.
"We know that night shelters do not provide a safe or dignified way for people at risk of rough sleeping to receive support. That is why we remain committed to phasing out this type of accommodation in Scotland.
"We are working closely with local authorities and the third sector in the cities with the highest rates of rough sleeping to ensure additional support services are in place to support people at risk of rough sleeping this winter."