Housing charity Shelter is calling on all MSPs to show their support for more affordable homes for Scotland by becoming builders for the day and placing one of the final 128 bricks on a 'house' it will build outside the Scottish Parliament.

The charity will be outside the Scottish Parliament all day in a bid to shore up cross party support for affordable rented housing.

Building of the 'It's time to get a move in Shelter Scotland house will start early on Wednesday morning but will leave 128 missing bricks. All MSPs [2] are being invited to sign their name on one of the bricks needed to finish the house from 10.30am onwards. The charity is hopeful that the house will be finished by the construction deadline of 5.30pm. Construction is being sponsored by Kier Building Group.

The event comes ahead of the first ever SNP-led Executive debate on housing on Thursday, when it is hoped the SNP will outline their plans for housing in Scotland.

The 'house' represents the charity's call for 30,000 affordable rented homes for Scotland through this year's spending review, which will see Scotland's public spending budgets being set for 2008-2011. The homes are needed to help stem Scotland's housing crisis.

Archie Stoddart, director of Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, said: 'It's time for all politicians to show they are serious about ensuring everyone can have a home. With hundreds of thousands of people on waiting lists, or in temporary accommodation, and rising house prices leaving many unable to buy a house, we need to give people real choices.

'This year's spending review presents us with the best chance yet to give everyone a home. We look forward to hearing - for the first time - the SNPs plans for housing at tomorrow's (Thursday) housing debate [3]. We urge all politicians to show they are committed to housing Scotland's people.'

Angela, who was homeless and in temporary accommodation for nearly two years with her three children, will be in attendance on the day.

Notes to Editors

1. Interviews can be arranged on request. Please telephone the media office to arrange.
2. As the Presiding Officer is independent he is unable to take part. This leaves 128 MSPs who can place their bricks on the house.
3. Scottish Parliament, Thursday June 21, 2.55 onwards, Executive Debate: Housing
4. Shelter Scotland, along with other housing organisations, is calling for 30,000 affordable rented homes for Scotland through this year's comprehensive spending review.
5. Shelter believes everyone should have a home and helps 170,000 people a year fight for their rights, get back on their feet, and find and keep a home. We also tackle the root causes of Britain's housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.
6. For more information about Shelter visit www.shelter.org.uk