Ahead of the Programme for Government, supporters are gathering on 31 August outside Bute House, Edinburgh, to deliver the letter to the First Minister. 

Supported by organisations such as Shelter Scotland and Fife Gingerbread, the letter brings together the voices of families who are among those living in temporary accommodation.

At present, a total of 10,480 children are currently living in temporary accommodation in Scotland. Many of these children are living in locations that are miles away from their schools. 

Families affected by homelessness from across Scotland, Shelter Scotland, Fife Gingerbread and several partner organisations are urging the First Minister to prioritise ending child homelessness within the Programme for Government. 

Shelter Scotland interim director Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae said: “We are bringing this letter to the front door of Bute House so it cannot be ignored. 

“The 10,480 children trapped in temporary accommodation cannot be ignored. The parents behind this letter who have bravely spoken out cannot be ignored.”

Llewellyn-MacRae added: “It is outrageous that despite having some of the best housing legislation in Scotland, the reality is too many children are growing up without a safe home, space to play or a bed of their own. 

“Enough is enough and it’s in John Swinney’s power to change this by listening to these families and putting housing at the top of the agenda in the Programme for Government.”

Fife Gingerbread chief executive officer, Laura Millar said: “A home is more than a roof over a child’s head. 

“It should be a place where they feel safe, do their homework, celebrate birthdays, spend time with friends, watch movies together and simply get to be children.”

Millar added: “Right now, too many families are doing everything they can to raise their children in temporary accommodation, without the stability most of us take for granted, and they cannot solve this crisis alone.”