Figures published by Shelter Scotland indicate 43,000 people, including children, became homeless in 2017 - but the true number is likely to be much higher
The shocking extent of homelessness in Scotland was revealed as it was shown that last year people lost their home every 18 minutes.
Figures published by Shelter Scotland indicate 43,000 people, including children, became homeless in 2017.
But the true figure is likely to be even higher as many of those made homeless are not recorded in official statistics.
The analysis follows a report by the charity showing that homelessness applications rose in the country for the first time in nine years last year.
Across the UK, the number of people living on the streets rose for the third straight year, with 320,000 estimated to be homeless.
In its annual review of homelessness, the housing charity combined official rough-sleeping, temporary accommodation, social services figures and Scottish Government homelessness statistics.
However, they suggest the true figure of homelessness is likely to be even higher.
Alison Watson, deputy director of Shelter Scotland, said: “It’s unforgivable that almost 320,000 people in Britain have been swept up by the housing crisis and now have no place to call home. Around 43,000 people were made homeless in Scotland last year.
“Due to a perfect storm of spiralling rents, very harsh welfare cuts and a major lack of social housing, record numbers of people are sleeping out on the streets, stuck in poor quality accommodation or in a cramped hostel room.”
“This year we mark our 50th anniversary, but we aren’t celebrating as our help is needed more than ever.
“Last year Shelter Scotland’s advice services helped more than 21,000 people our highest ever. That’s why we’re asking the public to support us this winter, so that we can answer as many calls as possible and have trained advisers on hand when people need them most.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are determined to bring an end to homelessness and rough sleeping in Scotland.
“While temporary accommodation provides an important safety net in emergency situations, we want the time anyone has to spend there to be as short as possible.
“That is why are working to transform the homelessness system so that people can secure a permanent home far more quickly.
“We have created a £50 million Ending Homelessness Together Fund over five years to support this work.
“We have also allocated £23.5m for rapid rehousing to support people into settled accommodation and help them with their longer term needs.”
