Devastating Edinburgh photos have been shared showing locals - including some youngsters - sleeping on the streets, some with no blankets or sleeping bags.
The stark images were taken on November 5 and show several people sleeping in doorways and pavements across the city centre. While out on patrol local charity, Steps to Hope say they saw ten individuals sleeping rough within a one mile radius.
One was a young man shivering with no sleeping bag in the cold November night. The charity gave him coffee before he left saying he had somewhere to be.
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A lot of effort to tackle homelessness in the capital was made during the Covid pandemic and following that there was a point where the city had no rough sleepers at all.
A volunteer at the local charity Steps to Hope shared the heartbreaking the images and wrote: "Heartbreaking to see the reality back on our streets again.
"Within the space of one mile we came across ten rough sleepers in the city centre! This means there will be a lot more people bedding down in our city with no roof over their heads…..UNACCEPTABLE.
"One young lad had no sleeping bag or covers and was shaking with the cold. He said he had somewhere to go and headed off with his coffee."
They continued: "Another man who we know is coming to our kitchen tonight to get a shower and we will call on his behalf to try secure him accommodation. His clothes were all torn so we will purchase him fresh clothing when he comes. Please if you can donate so we can get him kitted out.
"We are truly saddened by what we have seen this morning, the world with Covid has went back to normal but the homelessness within our country JUST CANT go back to how it was!"
On World Homeless Day earlier last month Cllr Jane Meagher, Housing Homelessness and Fair Work Convener said: "The daily pressures facing people experiencing homelessness are unimaginable for most. No one should have to experience the stress of not having a safe and permanent home.
"Sadly, after the pandemic we’re starting to see numbers of homeless cases gradually rise again – highlighting just how important and urgent it is that people understand the help which exists.
"Particularly in light of the cost of living crisis this winter, we are focusing our efforts on prevention and helping people to stay in their current homes, given the many difficulties households face."
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Adding: “Edinburgh is a growing city and we face housing pressures like nowhere else in Scotland. With the lowest proportion of social housing in the country and the biggest, most expensive, private rented sector, the current economic climate is of concern.
"That said, the Council and the city has made huge strides in recent years. There are changes which I think are making a truly positive impact and will make a great difference in the long term.
"Lots of work has taken place to tackle root causes and recurring issues when it comes to homelessness in our city, and that’s clear to see. Together, we’re committed to keeping the momentum going as we face the cost of living challenges ahead of us.”
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues mentioned in the article, you can find more information, help and support here.
Alternatively Street Support Edinburgh also connect people and organisations locally, to tackle homelessness in Edinburgh and have support available here.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
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