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HELPING HOMELESS PEOPLE
FOREWORD
I welcome this first progress report from the Homelessness Monitoring Group, and would like to extend my thanks to its members for investing their time and hard work in assessing progress thus far in our long term goal towards resolution of homelessness in Scotland.
The Group is vitally important as we take forward the ambitious, wide-ranging agenda set by the Homelessness Task Force and endorsed by both the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Parliament. It continues the cross-sector approach, which is key if we are to prevent homelessness occurring and to tackle homelessness effectively when it does occur.
The report is tremendously encouraging in acknowledging the rapid and significant progress which has been made in the time since the Task Force recommendations were made. It helpfully records the impact of these changes and is clear in its message that we must ensure that adequate information systems are in place to inform future developments. I endorse, wholeheartedly, this blend of positive belief in the need for change alongside a pragmatic approach to ensuring that change is rooted in reality.
The Executive remains focused on our goal of providing permanent accommodation for all unintentionally homeless people by 2012 - we are committed to preventing homelessness occurring in Scotland and to tackling homelessness in all its forms. We want to ensure that every homeless person receives a personal and holistic, as well as practical and sustainable, response to their needs.
There is still much to be done if we are to achieve these objectives but this report charts the course on which we have embarked and reveals that we are going in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work alongside partners - the Monitoring Group, providers of critical services and people who have experienced homelessness - who are equally dedicated to realising our ambition.
MARGARET CURRAN
Minister for Communities
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