Survey shows one in three think drink and drugs is main cause of homelessness
Something has to be done to educate the Scottish public on why people become homeless, the Salvation Army has claimed.
It hit out after a survey it commissioned found one in three Scots identified drug or alcohol addiction as the main reason leading to homelessness.
However, of those living in its lifehouse centres the Salvation Army said only one in 10 people blame drugs and alcohol for their plight, most, 43%, say it is down to the breakdown of a relationship.
The charity fears people’s lack of understanding of homelessness could be affecting their attitudes towards homeless people – hindering ending the “cycle of homelessness”.
The survey, carried out by Ipsos Mori, found only one in five people said they would consider buying a person sleeping rough something to eat or drink and only 3% had ever passed on details of a homelessness service.
Yes, alcohol and drugs may be a problem for people experiencing homelessness. But, these are rarely the cause
Just under half of the respondents also said they don’t think they or someone close to them could ever experience homelessness.
Major Howard Russell, deputy territorial director of homelessness services at The Salvation Army, said: “One of the key hurdles we face is around people's attitudes.
“The Ipsos Mori research has revealed the general public believe alcohol and drugs are the root cause of homelessness when, according to the people in our services, it’s actually relationship breakdowns.
“We believe educating the public on the reality of what causes homelessness is the way to overcome it.
“Yes, alcohol and drugs may be a problem for people experiencing homelessness. But, as our survey of our lifehouse residents shows, these are rarely the cause.
“Instead it tends to be the breakdown of a relationship – something that can happen to anyone at any time.”
Russell added the charity found it “shocking” that such a large proportion of the people polled would simply walk by and do nothing for a person sleeping rough.
“It isn’t an issue that can be ignored and we believe awareness needs to be raised,” he added.
