Help us help those homeless who can’t help themselves - Karen Barr
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.
Rowan Alba provides accommodation for homeless people who are not equipped to manage a home due to their trauma-related lifestyle and health concerns.
With the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections approaching, we’ll 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.
There are three key areas that we think need to be addressed immediately, particularly for the people we support.
1. 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 per cent of homeless people applying for accommodation have support needs; 35 per cent of this group will require ongoing, intensive support for complex physical and mental health issues.
2. 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.
3. Third Sector housing is at crisis point: Rather than reaching crisis point and leaving 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.
The people we support often have chaotic lifestyles. These are people who simply do not have the focus and mindset to look after themselves and what they 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.
Karen Barr, Chief Executive of charity Rowan Alba