Shelter Scotland has welcomed over £110,000 vital new funding from East Lothian Council to continue providing valuable advice services in the area.

East Lothian Council has supported the project since it launched in 2000, enabling the service to help around 2,500 clients over the past nine years.Shelter Scotland’s East Lothian service offers independent advice to any individual or agency through a dedicated helpline and also offers outreach surgeries in the area.

As well as providing advice and assistance, the service plays an important role in prevention of homelessness and has been working jointly on this key area with East Lothian Council.

David Gibb, Manager of Shelter Scotland’s East Lothian Project, said: “We’re delighted East Lothian Council has provided essential funding again to Shelter Scotland’s East Lothian Project this year and are grateful for their continued support.

Prevention of homelessness is as important as building more affordable homes to rent to ensure that Scotland’s internationally acclaimed homelessness target is met. (1) The funding means we can carry on providing valuable housing advice to individuals and agencies, and continue work to prevent more people falling into the homelessness trap in the first place. Demand for our services is already high and we expect this to increase as the economic downturn deepens.

He added: “We would urge anyone facing housing problems to seek advice as early as possible. People in the local area in need of housing advice can contact the East Lothian Project on 0844 515 2490 on Monday, 10am to 1pm, Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm or Friday, 10am to 1pm or visit our website scotland.shelter.org.uk/getadvice. The earlier you take action, the better the chance of staying in your home.”

Councillor Stuart Currie, Depute Leader of East Lothian Council and Cabinet member for Housing and Community Services, said: "The reasons for homelessness are varied and complex so it's essential that tailored and expert advice is available. Shelter is a well-respected agency and can provide support to anyone concerned about their housing situation or potential homelessness. We're pleased to continue to fund Shelter's vital work in East Lothian."

Notes to editors:

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. 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.
3. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews. 
4. For more information about Shelter visit www.shelter.org.uk