Thank you for joining our movement to end homelessness in Scotland by 2040. Together, we are powerful.
This election is our chance to tell political parties that they need to prioritise ending homelessness. Because getting your vote will depend on it.
Together, let’s vote to end homelessness by 2040 this election.
Change happens in many ways. Here are five things you can do right now to help end homelessness in Scotland.
Knowing more about homelessness will give you confidence when speaking up and campaigning for change. It will help you raise awareness and inspire others to do the same.
Use your voice to demand change from politicians by taking our campaign actions
One of the most powerful ways to create change is by speaking up against injustice. By talking to people about how and why homelessness must be ended in Scotland by 2040, you’re helping to grow the movement.
During the election period, political candidates might be knocking on your door asking for your vote. This is your chance to speak about issues that are important to you and show candidates that your vote depends on their actions.
Seen someone sleeping rough in your local area and not sure what you can do to help? We have lots of tips on offering support in an empathetic and safe way.
You can also make a difference by fundraising to support our vital services for people experiencing homelessness.
I was sleeping in my car for over two years and working for most of that time. I used public toilets to wash, and my mates would do my washing for me. I would live on takeaways. Crisis supported me to secure a council flat. I feel safe and settled. I can do anything I want now, and I don't have to worry about things.— Paddy, supported by Crisis Skylight Edinburgh
By signing a petition or emailing your MSPs, you can help build a future free from homelessness.
Another way to use your voice is by asking politicians to prioritise ending homelessness in Scotland by 2040.
Over the coming weeks, you may have local candidates knocking on your door to try to win your vote. You can take your campaigning to the next level by asking them some of the key questions below:
“I’m really concerned about rising homelessness in my area. What are you doing to end it?”
“I believe everyone should have a safe, stable and affordable home. What are you going to do to ensure that happens?”
“What specific funding commitments will you make over the next parliamentary term to end homelessness in Scotland by 2040?”
Reminder! This election we’re asking the government for:
“How would your party ensure better access to mental health, addiction and other public services support, so that people aren’t forced into homelessness?”
“What will you do to reduce the time people spend in temporary accommodation, especially for families and children?”
“When do you think homelessness in Scotland can and should be ended by?” Hint: 2040!
We’ve set a goal of ending all forms of homelessness in Scotland by 2040. It’s a long-term goal because there’s no quick fix. It takes time to build the right homes and redesign systems so people get support earlier. But with commitment from the next and future governments, it can be done. We’ll keep the pressure on – with your help.
We get the scepticism, but we’re already making progress! We’ve just helped change the law to better prevent homelessness and that will make a difference. Now we need to keep pushing for proper funding and more affordable homes. With your help, we’ll keep politicians accountable and make homelessness impossible to ignore.
At Crisis, we know what it takes to end homelessness. Through research and working directly with people experiencing homelessness, we have the solutions. We need to build more genuinely affordable homes. And we also need to make changes to public services, so that people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, get the help they need, when they need it. All of this will require long-term investment that is linked to clear results. By doing this, we can create a country where everyone has a safe and stable home.
The Scottish Parliament has power over a wide range of devolved matters. This means that it can make decisions on specific local policies that impact levels of homelessness in Scotland. This includes, health and social services, justice, education and housing.
Some issues remain the responsibility of the UK Parliament alone. These are known as reserved powers and include defence and national security, nationality and citizenship and trade and industry.
There are 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament - 73 constituency MSPs and 56 regional MSPs. Elections to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament are held every 5 years. The system used for Scottish Parliament elections is known as the Additional Member System. This means that you have two votes: one for your constituency MSP, who is elected using the first past the post system and another for a party or independent candidate. Each region elects 7 regional MSPs and when casting their regional vote, voters choose between political parties rather than named individuals (except where individuals are standing as independent candidates on the regional list).
Each of these MSPs has the power to make sure that everyone in Scotland has a safe and stable home. This election is our chance to tell political parties that they need to commit to end homelessness in Scotland by 2040 – because getting our vote will depend on it.
