Stark images have shown numerous locals sleeping on the streets of Edinburgh in "dangerous" temperatures, which plummeted to -5C at points through the night. The photos were captured by capital-based charity Steps to Hope, who came across a number of rough sleepers in a one-mile radius while patrolling the city centre on Tuesday, December 14.
Locals are seen using sleeping bags, cardboard boxes and other materials found on the pavements as a way to keep warm during the Baltic weather, reports EdinburghLive. However, one man was spotted without a sleeping bag, instead huddling by a building radiator to keep the cold at bay.
The grim incident prompted the charity to question how anyone could survive sleeping on the streets in such extreme conditions.
A volunteer posted their thoughts on social media, writing: "It was -5 this morning when we set off to see if there were any rough sleepers on our streets! This morning we covered one mile in the city centre and found 10 people sleeping rough in these dangerous temperatures……-5!!!!
"One lad had no sleeping bag and was using the heaters to keep warm….we had tears in our eyes handing over a coffee. WE NEED CHANGE! This is utterly heartbreaking! How can anyone survive out there!!"
They continued: "We spoke to a girl who was keen to hear more about our recovery programme and said she will come to see us to engage. All our street friends we signposted to the correct organisations for housing and now know about our soup kitchens.
"We hope they come and engage in our recovery services. We don’t have a magic wand but we are ready to walk by anyone’s side who desires change."
Cllr Jane Meagher, Housing Homelessness and Fair Work Convener said: "When temperatures drop to this extent it’s more important than ever that we do all that we can to support anyone who may be at risk.
“With Bethany we’re operating a Welcome Centre this winter to provide an additional 65 beds for people with wrap around support, and demand for this service this winter has already been high.
"We’re also offering street-based outreach seven days a week through our partners to anyone we see rough sleeping and this involves checking in with people three times a night, specialist pharmacy and mental health services available on street and supporting people directly into Rapid Access Accommodation.
She added: ““There is an incredible amount of work going into providing support, across the Council and third sector, but the rise in homelessness we’re witnessing in Edinburgh is deeply concerning. We need to prevent more people from becoming homeless as far as we possibly can.
“The key issue facing Edinburgh is a severe housing shortage, particularly affordable housing. We have an ambitious house building programme but we’re also continuing to make our case to the Scottish Government for additional support to help us provide more quality energy efficient permanent homes for people in Edinburgh. The Council also has a campaign to spread awareness of the support which exists for people who are struggling financially.”
For more information, help and support on these issues, click here. Street Support Edinburgh also connect people and organisations locally to tackle homelessness in Edinburgh and have support available here.
The Daily Record has approached the City of Edinburgh Council for comment.
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