Glasgow homeless charity forced to turn away 35 people as shelter reaches 'breaking point'

The founder of a homeless shelter has called on Glasgow City Council for support after being forced to turn away more than 35 people overnight.

Homeless Project Scotland said they had to turn away dozens of people seeking shelter in the city centre on Tuesday night due to a lack of accommodation.

CEO of the charity, Colin McInnes, said the service has regularly been turning away 35 to 40 people in recent months as the service reaches “breaking point”.

“Last night was a breaking point with the shelter manager”, he told STV News.

“We’re losing volunteers, we’re low on resources, and our volunteers are heartbroken at having to turn people away.

“Glasgow City Council’s out-of-hours accommodation homeless emergency line at night is absolutely defunct.

“You phone it, and they turn round and say there’s no accommodation available, we’re in a housing crisis, phone back tomorrow.

“Where are people to sleep?”

The charity founder has called on the council to take action amid what he describes as the worst level of homelessness seen in six years.

“I want the council to accommodate people at night, fulfil its statutory duty, and follow the law.

“Every council in Scotland has a legal duty to provide immediate accommodation to someone who becomes homeless.

“It’s just a constant battle; we shouldn’t have to battle in Britain for things we’re entitled to.

“This is the worst I’ve seen it in six years.

“People blame refugees, and the dispersed city, but it’s absolutely nonsensical, 28 people from 35 people were white British-born people from Glasgow who were turned onto the streets last night.

“This is not a refugee or asylum problem – this is a council not doing what it’s supposed to do, a problem.”

It comes after it was revealed in February that the number of open homeless cases had reached a record high, while there was a rise in reports of rough sleeping.

The number of children living in temporary accommodation in Scotland was also found to be at its highest level on record.

Glasgow City Council have been contacted for comment.