UKRAINIAN REFUGEES FLEE TERROR TO END UP HOMELESS IN SCOTLAND

New fight for survival on streets of desolation

- MARK MCGIVERN

EXCLUSIVE HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES LEFT OUT IN COLD

UKRAINIAN families across Scotland are facing homelessness and destitution this winter.

Despite finding refuge in Scotland after fleeing the Russian invasion, Ukrainians are four times more likely to face homelessness than the wider population, research for the British Red Cross reveals.

The charity estimates that 335 families will have applied for homelessness support in Scotland by the end of this financial year.

And even more will be caught up in more immediate “core homelessness” like sofa surfing, staying in unsuitable temporary accommodation and rough sleeping.

Core homelessness among Ukrainians is forecast to increase from 633 households to 758 households in the same time period. The research, by Professor Glen Bramley, of Heriot Watt University, predicts the numbers will continue to be at crisis level until 2025 at least.

Rob Murray, director for Scotland at the British Red Cross, said: “This winter we expect more men, women and children from Ukraine to become homeless here in Scotland.

“Ukrainians are often unable to meet up-front rental costs and can be excluded from local authority schemes that help prevent homelessness.

“We also know that many host families, who generously opened their homes, are now struggling to continue to do so due to the cost-of-living crisis.