Scotland’s internationally acclaimed homelessness target to give everyone the right to a home by 2012 is still within reach. (1)

That will be the message from Shelter Scotland director, Graeme Brown, as the charity in Scotland marks its 40th anniversary tonight (Wednesday).

The head of the housing and homelessness charity still believes Scotland can lead the world in ending homelessness by 2012 - despite the current economic climate.

The charity will mark its 40th anniversary today (Wednesday) with a special event in Edinburgh - sponsored by Weslo Housing Management - which will bring together former and current staff members and clients, and key decision makers in housing.

Speaking ahead of the 40th event, Mr Brown, said: 'Shelter Scotland was born of anger, shock and disbelief that the family in the landmark docudrama Cathy Come Home (2) could be disregarded by the so-called welfare state in such a way. The immediate focus of Shelter Scotland was the appalling legacy of slum homes in the towns and cities, where poor health and overcrowding were rife.

'There have been real advances during Shelter’s 40 year history, advances which have touched the lives of hundreds and thousands of people and I’m proud of what we have achieved.

'But across Scotland last year over 40,000 households were assessed as homeless. There are over 200,000 people on housing waiting lists. There are over 100,000 children living in overcrowded households. 29,000 single pensioners are living in houses affected by dampness or condensation. We need to ask ourselves is that right?

'Scotland’s housing crisis existed before the credit crunch and indeed runaway house price inflation was one of the primary triggers for the problems we now face.

'We welcome the Scottish Government's promise of up to £100 million for affordable housing but we need more urgently. In the current financial climate that might seem hard but a decent home is the foundation for the well being of Scotland's people in so many areas - health, education, a sustainable environment, communities and a thriving economy. We have progressed a lot in 40 years but real challenges remain. We must take action now to ensure we meet the 2012 homelessness legislation or face another generation of homeless children, like Cathy's.'

Confirming that the Scottish Government will provide a further £40,000 funding to the Shelter Scotland Helpline for the year 2008-09, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon said: “This Government is not and never will be complacent about tackling and preventing the trauma of homelessness.

'In Scotland we are rightly proud of the most progressive homelessness legislation in Europe, and equally proud of Shelter Scotland’s role in shaping that legislation.

'The Scottish Government remains committed to the 2012 target, not just because it is the right thing to do in a modern Scotland, but because it sends a clear message about the type of country we are and what we aspire to be.'

The charity have produced a 40th anniversary booklet - marking key milestones in the charity and housing history - which can be downloaded from the website at www.shelter.org.uk/40th

1. By 2012 all unintentionally homeless people should have access to a permanent home, under Scottish legislation. Currently, only people designated to be in 'priority need' - generally families with children - have the right to permanent homes. All others have access to only temporary accommodation and support. By 2012, there will be no distinction and everyone will have the right to a home.
2. In 1966, the BBC broadcast the landmark docudrama, Cathy Come Home, written by Jeremy Sandford and directed by Ken Loach. A quarter of Britain’s population tuned in to see the appalling story of Cathy and her family. In the same month that Cathy Come Home was broadcast, Shelter was launched in England. Two years later the Shelter Scottish Campaign for the Homeless (later renamed Shelter Scotland) was launched. The two merged in 1992.