By Sarah Hilley
Copyright glasgowlive
It is hoped a Glasgow homeless welcome centre where people don’t have to sleep in the same room will open in time for the upcoming 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 out about the damaging impact they had on them.
It is understood previously a council and charity run welcome centre operated – ensuring people had access to individual rooms and other support – but the housing crisis meant there was none last year.
Speaking at last week’s council meeting, Councillor Allan Casey, convenor for homelessness, said it is hoped Glasgow can get government funding to “open a proper rapid rehousing welcome centre this winter.”
He was responding to questions from councillor Anthony Carroll asking about discussions taking place with the Scottish Government and third sector about a “well-regulated welcome centre to assist our city’s homeless?”
Scottish Greens Councillor Carroll said service users 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 how they felt unsafe, disrespected and traumatised – with some opting to sofa surf or sleep rough to avoid staying at a shelter according to GHIFT.
Responding to Bailie Carroll’s queries about a homeless welcome centre, councillor Casey said: “I can confirm that officers from homelessness services have been in discussion with the City Mission (charity) to clarify what their approach is in relation to the operating model this winter and to ensure an effective interface.”
He added: “Discussions will be continuing with the City Mission and other key stakeholders such as the health and social care partnership to develop its severe weather operational plan.
“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: “I have confirmed the council will continue its historical support to the City Mission through ensuring effective operational interfaces.
“The council is already funding an exceptional high level of emergency accommodation in the city and any redirection of resources from the council to the City Mission would not represent additional emergency accommodation capacity. We continue to work with the Scottish Government and the UK Government to seek adequate funding to meet homelessness pressures.”
Organisation Homeless Project Scotland run by volunteers has been running a night shelter in the city, which it says offers 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 Merchant City.
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