But funding still required to keep service running
Simon Community Scotland has announced it has secured new premises in Central Edinburgh for its unique Streetreads Library.
Since losing its former home in January 2025, the loss of this service has had a profound impact on people who had been accessing the support regularly, the charity says.
The charity launched an urgent appeal to secure support for funding to fully staff the service, warning that without this investment, the safe space can only operate on a "skeleton service" throughout the cold winter months.
Streetreads Library supports people facing extremely difficult circumstances and offers them a safe non-judgmental space to experience community, groupwork, relationship-based support, empowered skill development, vocational opportunities, and the transformative power of reading.
Fiona Williamson, director of operations in Edinburgh for Simon Community Scotland, said: "Securing the new location is a huge breakthrough and a tremendous moment of hope for the hundreds of people who rely on Streetreads. But having the space is only step one. We now face a critical funding gap.
“We aren't just asking people to fund our bespoke new safe space; we are looking for funding to develop the services people need creating sustainable long term solutions out of homelessness."
Ricky Kerr, Streetreads service lead, added: "The costs for our new Streetreads are considerably higher than they were in our old home. Currently, we can only open 3 half-days per week compared to 6 days a week in our last venue. Just £250,000 is the difference between a 'skeleton service' and a full-time service staffed by people dedicated to providing the skills and opportunities essential to helping someone move out of homelessness.
“This includes out-of-hour services that are desperately needed. We urgently need to extend our reach to help the most vulnerable people in Edinburgh, while working alongside them to co-developed and co-design essential services.
“Before we closed, Streetreads was a safe place for up to 200 people every single week to access support and hope. We’re delighted to be open again, but we need help to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh."
While Simon Community Scotland’s Support Hub on Holyrood Road provides critical support to manage immediate crises, Streetreads offers a different, but equally important service. It provides a unique stigma-free safe space built on community, connection, and skill development - offering long-term hope and a pathway for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The £250,000 annual target would provide necessary resources to maximise the library's impact, enabling the team to provide up to 3,500 supports for people with nowhere else to turn.
Part of the new plan for Streetreads is to create a safe place for women affected by homelessness in Edinburgh.
Williamson added; “We recognise the unique challenges women face and are working with the community who use Streetreads. We are co-developing therapeutic safe spaces for women.”
Ian Rankin, Streetreads ambassador, who has volunteered with Streetreads, commented: "I have been an admirer and supporter of Streetreads since its earliest days and have seen firsthand the amazing work it does. I would urge everyone to pitch in and help Streetreads not only continue to operate but be able to reach out to more people."
Acclaimed Scottish author and Ambassador, Michael Pedersen, also commented: “The Streetreads Library is one of the most vital projects in Edinburgh. It recognises that books can be a refuge, a mirror, a pathway to a better future.
“Having a new central home for Streetreads is a fantabulous achievement (phew), but we need to ensure the doors stay open and the staff are there to turn that potential into genuine change.
“So – like many good humans celebrating the progressive power of books – I’m urging anyone that can to support this crucial appeal. Long live love, literature, and Streetwork.’
