STV NewsA “lifeline” Edinburgh homeless charity is urgently seeking new premises after it was unexpectedly served an eviction notice.
The Streetreads library, run by Simon Community Scotland, provides a warm and safe space for between 150 and 200 sleeping rough in the city a week but has been forced to close until an alternative location is found.
The City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, where the hub is situated, said they were “saddened” to issue the notice but claimed they had received reports of antisocial behaviour and substance use in and around the property.
The charity’s head of services Fiona Williamson said the news could not have come at a worse time.
She told STV News: “It’s become a lifeline for so many people. Unlike many services, there aren’t a lot of non-transactional spaces like this. It’s a place where people matter. There’s nowhere like this in Edinburgh that I know of. It’s magic.
“It’s about creating a safe space for people – we have a literary cafe, writing and reading classes, mental health groups and art therapy.
“This is a place for human connection, and losing it would be devastating for those who need it most. The people we support are so stigmatised. This is much more than a library – it’s a community.”
STV NewsFigures from Edinburgh Council estimate there are around 7,000 people living in homeless accommodation in the Capital.
There are over 60 sleeping rough in the city every night, according to Simon Community.
The charity, which costs around £71,00 annually to run, is now looking for a bigger venue to meet demand.
Organisers are expecting to pay between £20,000 and £35,000 more a year.
They are now appealing for “crucial” donations to help them reopen in February or March.
“We’ve outgrown the space; we’ve gone from 15-20 people to now supporting 150-200 a week,” Fiona said.
“It’s impossible not to see the impact of rough sleeping in Edinburgh.
“We know that safety is something people want but often don’t feel when walking into other buildings. We’re building self-worth and self-efficiency here.
“Here, people get accommodation and food, and we’ve built wraparound support. When you think about it, it’s a life-or-death situation for many – no exaggeration.
“We should all be able to use communal spaces. We can’t let people down at the coldest time of the year.”
STV NewsMichelle and Colin were living on the streets when they first came to the service five years ago.
Volunteers helped the couple, who struggled with addiction, into accommodation.
Now, the couple come into the centre six days a week and say there is nowhere else for them to go after it closes.
Michelle said: “They’ve helped us change our lives. They’ve clothed us, they’ve given us homes, and they’re helping me get into university.
“We’ve used this space as our backbone to being better.
“Even just coming in to do a jigsaw and not having to look at the same four walls. It seems like everyone here wants to move forward.
“It was hard at Christmas when they closed, and now that they’re shutting, we don’t know what we’re going to do. The last thing I want is to be stuck in the house with nowhere to go. There’s nowhere like this.
Colin added: “You feel welcome and it’s a safe space, without getting moved on or judged. The emotional support is fabulous.
“The rug has been pulled from under us. We don’t know where to turn into now.
“We had a taste of something that wasn’t there before and now we’ll lose it. They build you up no matter what.
“At least we have each other; it’s going to impact people on the streets a lot more.”
A spokesperson for City of Edinburgh Methodist Church said: “We are saddened that we are not able to renew the lease for Streetreads.
“Concerns have been expressed to us regarding an increase in antisocial behaviour, including substance abuse, in and around the church property.
“These issues have been raised with Streetreads for a number of years but sadly the situation has not improved.
“The safety of all our tenants, visitors and staff is a priority but we wish Streetreads success as they move forward.”
City of Edinburgh Council has been contacted for comment.
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