Launch of New Prevention Guide: 75 Ways to Prevent Homelessness

That the Parliament welcomes the new guide, 75 Ways to Prevent Homelessness, which is published by homelessness charity, Crisis; notes that the guide aims to share practical examples of homelessness prevention from Scotland and beyond, and to inspire practitioners, legislators, commissioners, service designers and funders; understands that, for many, the roots of a housing crisis start many months before losing a home, and by the time people approach a local authority for support, it can often be too late for homelessness to be prevented; further understands that whilst practices are important, legislative change is necessary because it can drive the kind of collaborative, upstream, preventative work exemplified in this guide; recognises the value of this collection of practical examples in the context of the Scottish Government’s intention to introduce a Housing Bill, which will reportedly include provisions on homelessness prevention; commends Crisis and the efforts made by all the organisations represented in the guide towards a shared ambition of ending homelessness in Scotland, and encourages all public services to see the prevention of homelessness as a matter of importance for everyone.