Last year, 42 people were supported through Fresh Start funding, allowing them to purchase essentials as they moved into their new homes. Blue Triangle supports people to move forward: from homelessness, from hard times, from uncertainty, towards safety, stability and hope.

When people take their next steps from supported accommodation, they often walk into an empty flat. That’s why Blue Triangle provides Fresh Start Packs — the essential items people need to make their new tenancy feel like home.

This winter, as Scotland’s housing crisis pushes services to full capacity, Blue Triangle is campaigning for urgent support to give more people the fresh start they deserve. The Dying Homeless Project recently revealed that the number of people in Scotland who passed away while homeless last year has risen to 38%.

Against this harsh backdrop, 30% of people in Blue Triangle services last year were evicted from their homes and 29% of people experienced sleeping rough.

Gary Meek, CEO of Blue Triangle, said: “As Scotland moves deeper into a housing crisis, pressures are increasing across our services in Scotland. But homelessness is not inevitable. At Blue Triangle, we know a set of keys is not enough to solve the problem. For many experiencing homelessness, support is essential: our fantastic staff provide this 24/7, 365 days a year. Fresh Start packs ensure those moving on can make their house a home, because everyone deserves more than just a roof over their heads this Christmas.”

Fresh Start packs provide £250 for supported people to purchase white goods, bedding, furniture and more to provide dignity and warmth. Murray, supported through the Sauchiehall Street service in Glasgow, recently purchased a bed, toaster, kettle and microwave thanks to Fresh Start.

Murray said: “Blue Triangle is the reason I’m not sleeping on the floor for Christmas. Getting the keys to your own tenancy is always overwhelming, but staff were there to help me, and the funding gave me somewhere to sleep and the basics so I could cook a meal.”

Fresh Start helped people like Carrie, who was living with poor mental health, managing a long-term health condition and navigating a difficult personal relationship. Her housing situation became increasingly unstable, and frequent crises led to repeated involvement from emergency services and lengthy hospital stays.

Blue Triangle staff helped Carrie move into her new home and prepare for her pregnancy. She attended appointments, sought advice, worked alongside professionals and dedicated herself to creating a safe and welcoming home for her baby. Grants were secured to help purchase essential items, and she worked hard to ensure everything was ready for her daughter’s arrival.

Last year, Blue Triangle supported 1,136 people across 12 local authorities.

Read Blue Triangle’s new annual report here.