New services aim to help tackle city homelessness

Published on Wednesday 29 April 2009 09:53

NEW services to tackle homelessness have been introduced in the Capital.

Edinburgh City Council has teamed up with a range of charities and organisations to provide new advice and support services to prevent people becoming homeless in the city.

Councillor Norman Work, chair of the Edinburgh Homelessness Forum, said: "Prevention is better than cure in many instances.

"We are providing more services that will help people stay in their homes in the long-run.

"Crisis services will still be in place but we are focusing on getting to the root of the problem."

The service revamp, which came into action on Monday, includes a crisis service for people who are at risk of sleeping rough as well as neighbourhood advice services to help prevent homelessness.

Kate Poulson of Streetwork has welcomed the new approach. She said: "Working with the council allows us to reach the most vulnerable people across the city. We're very supportive of the new strategy."

The city's housing leader, Councillor Paul Edie, said: "We have put a lot of work into making sure that we are providing the best possible services for those who come to us for help. I am encouraged by the good work so far"