The chairman of a Glasgow soup kitchen has issued a plea to the future First Minister to work with the charity in helping them find a suitable indoor space.
Colin McInnes has written to all three SNP candidates: Humza Yusaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan, to invite them to one of the Homeless Project Scotland’s (HPS) soup kitchen services to see the issues facing Glasgow’s most vulnerable residents first hand.
A copy of the letter was sent to each candidate on Wednesday, March 1, but they have all still to respond.
READ MORE: 340 hungry Glasgow people queuing for food at soup kitchen as homeless charity desperate for help
HPS has grown since 2019, when co-founders Colin McInnes and Fraser Riddell navigated the streets of Glasgow with some homemade sandwiches, two flasks of hot water, tea coffee and a packet of broken biscuits - all served from a backpack.
The charity serves upwards of 285 people per day in Glasgow alone, and more than 1500 hot meals everyday on Argyle Street under Central Bridge.
Efforts have been made by Glasgow City Council to help the project with its search for an indoor home, but they have so far been unable to agree on a suitable property
With energy bills rising, the HPS hopes that each candidate will pledge their support to the charity should they become First Minister.
Mr McInnes said: “The numbers are going up as the demand from social pressures increases. In April 2023, energy bills are expected to increase by 20% on average. The result of which will see our queue grow further.
“We aim to engage with candidates and ultimately seek support and solutions to help us bring people into the warmth and a dignified environment to eat and socialise in.
“By writing to the candidates we are hoping to work together to find premises - we are looking for the candidates to each pledge their support to our charity should they become First Minister, that they will help us to achieve this.”
The letter explains that the charity wants to see a society where people of all “walks of life” have access to warm nutritious food without the need to worry about heating, clothing or lighting their home.
It reads: “Homeless Project Scotland is very keen to continue to engage with the Scottish Government to try and achieve an indoor space for our homeless and vulnerable, a place where people can come and feel comfortable, warm, safe.
“We are reaching out to you to ask for your support by coming and visiting the soup kitchen and to pledge your support to help us find an indoor space if you become the next First Minister.”
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