The Aberdeen community group says 'Covid-19 is not going away but poverty is increasing'
By: Rosie Mccaffrey
Photograph: Street Friends Helping the Homeless
Aberdeen community group Street Friends Helping the Homeless have relaunched their mission to help feed people in need during the COVID-19 Outbreak.
They have partnered with Aberdeen Muslims to provide hot meals to those in need twice a week.
Current safety guidance did not deter the two groups, who handed out the food boxes, hot drinks, warm clothing and other necessities outdoors, to a socially distanced queue.
Now operating from St. Nicholas Street, they recognise that Covid-19 is 'not going away soon' and remain determined to be 'a positive force in Aberdeen'.
According to figures from the Scottish government, between 2019-20 over 50,000 people including 15,000 children were homeless in Scotland.
2019-20 homelessness figures from the Scottish government.
In addition, 1 in 4 children and 1 in 5 people of working age in Scotland are living in poverty in Scotland. A household is considered to be in poverty if their income if less than 60% of the average income for that household type.
Some of the group’s members also braved the cold for a 12-hour night walk to raise funds and awareness of the mental health charity Men Matter Scotland. Their total is currently sitting at over £2,700, with donations still coming in.
The group has also been training members in the prevention of drug-related deaths, saying “The goal is not just to hand out food bags, but to offer motivation, kind words, which can then go on to instant referrals we have set up with local services”.
To donate to a Foodbank, you can check the needed items and drop-off points here. If you are struggling financially and you are a student, you may be able to apply to one of AUSA’s hardship funds here.
