Faith
Salvation Army Urges Scotland to Address Homelessness
Faith Facts
- The Salvation Army in Scotland is urging political leaders to make homelessness prevention a top priority ahead of next May’s parliamentary election.
- Half of the people seeking help from their Homelessness Service struggle with mental health issues, and over 30% arrive without a GP registration.
- The charity highlights the need for deeper solutions, including addiction support, expanded mental health care, and more affordable housing built on Christian compassion.
As Scotland approaches a critical election, faith-driven voices are calling for action with hope rooted in Biblical care for the vulnerable. The Salvation Army’s appeal spotlights the moral responsibility to provide not only shelter but holistic support addressing the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of every individual.
Helen Murdoch, Assistant Territorial Director for Strategic Operations & Development, warned,
“Scotland will never beat homelessness unless we are able to tackle the reasons people become homeless in the first place. Underlying issues such as poverty, trauma, abuse, addiction and mental health issues all increase the risk.”
She urged,
“That is why we are calling on all political parties at Holyrood to make homelessness prevention and wrap around support a priority going into next year’s election.”
Recent data from the charity shows an 87% rise over the past decade in homeless households facing both mental health and substance dependency challenges. This alarming trend underscores the importance of Christian charity, unity, and practical action.
Ms Murdoch explained,
“The Scottish Government, councils, health providers and charities working together, with proper funding, can prevent homelessness before it starts and save lives this winter.”
James, once homeless and now working with the Salvation Army, shared,
“I’m actively trying to get a permanent home after bouts of homelessness throughout my life.”
He continued,
“An integrated approach is needed and a whole load of support measures put in place to help people tackle trauma, criminal justice issues, addiction and mental health challenges like anxiety. All this ought to be addressed together, with the person at the centre.”
He reflected,
“When you’re homeless you don’t have security and it’s hard to project into the future when you’re cold, lonely, hungry and tired – who wouldn’t be anxious, no one wants to live like that.”
The Salvation Army runs Lifehouses and outreach services, offering practical support from emergency shelter to job training, all reflecting Christian love and a commitment to restoring dignity through faith-based service. The rise in average accommodation stay to 338 days and long wait times for permanent homes reflect Scotland’s pressing housing needs.
Ms Murdoch concluded,
“We all know what needs to be done. The next parliament must prioritise addiction support in the evenings and at weekends; improved mental health services in communities; plus increase the availability of affordable homes to give vulnerable people stability, accessible local healthcare and – above all – hope for the future.”
The Salvation Army encourages anyone at risk of homelessness to seek support or contact their local council, standing firm in the call to love and serve our neighbors in need.