Grace and B's story
Grace and B* became homeless and were forced to live in unsafe temporary accommodation. With Shelter Scotland's advice and support, they found a safe and secure social home.
Grace and B agreed to be filmed so that they could share their story with you. Watch the video and read their story, in their own words, to find out how the housing emergency has impacted their lives.
*names changed to protect identities
Thousands of children want a safe home
More than 10,000 children in Scotland are stuck in temporary homeless accommodation this winter.
That number has doubled in the past 10 years.
People across Scotland – people like Grace – are fighting to protect their families. But our broken and biased housing system keeps holding them back.
Watch our video and hear from Grace and B about their experience.
Grace's story
After being made redundant, Grace was evicted without warning and was homeless for 2 years.
She spent months in a homeless hostel – where her daughter B was not able to join her – before being moved to temporary accommodation. Grace was using a wheelchair, but she was given a flat up three flights of stairs.
Grace contacted a range of local services for help, without any success. But when she got in touch with Shelter Scotland, she finally felt heard.
After years of sleepless nights, Grace has now found a permanent home she loves. She can begin a new future with her daughter.
Grace told us:
Because my home was connected to my job, I had no choice but to present as homeless. I was physically, emotionally, and financially drained and at my lowest ebb. But when Shelter Scotland helped me, I no longer felt like I was David fighting Goliath on my own.
You can support more people to win the fight for home by donating today.
Donate now to stand with families like Grace and B
B's story
Instead of counting down the days to Christmas, many children wake up each morning desperately wishing they were somewhere else. They can only imagine living in a place that feels like home.
For B, being homeless meant her whole life was turned upside down. She was separated from her mum and her dogs, and had to move to a new area where she did not know anyone.
She also had to start a new school, which affected her academic situation.
With Shelter Scotland by her side, B's mum Grace secured a permanent social home. B could start to feel hopeful about the future. She's enrolled in a college course and settling into her new community.
This Christmas will be Grace and B's first in their new home – and B is looking forward to Christmas together with her Mum.
B told us:
I feel better now that we've moved into our permanent flat, but I'm still anxious about safety and security. I think this is because of what we went through.
42 children become homeless in Scotland every day.
You could stand with families across Scotland, and make sure more people have the advice and resources they need to find a safe, secure home.