Edinburgh is known around the world for its gothic architecture, world class festivals and unpredictable summer weather. But behind the picture postcard image is a harsh reality: the city is in the grip of a major housing emergency.

Over the past five years, the number of people presenting as homeless in Scotland’s capital has risen sharply. Last year, 3,846 people presented as homeles in Edinburgh. Social housing and temporary accommodation is in such high demand that Edinburgh Council cannot guarantee shelter for all those who present as homeless.

But there is a solution: more social housing is desperately needed, however we cannot simply build our way out of this emergency.

At Cyrenians, we know that homelessness is about more than just having a roof over your head. People become homeless because of relationship breakdown, inadequate support for mental health problems, financial difficulties and early life trauma. With the right support at the right time, many people can stay in their own homes or get access to supported shelter which meets their specific needs.

The right support looks different for everyone. We run a cook school based in the heart of Leith where people can learn the skills which help them look after themselves and their family or even gain skills for future jobs. Our Hospital In-Reach team is based in three of Edinburgh’s hospitals and works closely with healthcare providers to ensure that no one is discharged into homelessness.

We also provide housing to people, who need more than just shelter. Our Women In Safe Homes (WISH) project will provide 30 family homes this year, for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. And we run residential communities across Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, offering a home to more than 60 young people, 75% of whom are care-experienced and more at risk of homelessness than someone who grew up in a stable home.

These are just four of our 47 projects that work hard to ensure that every person living in Edinburgh has the support, community and housing that they need. We know what we do works, but as the demand for services like ours continue to increase, we are facing funding cuts right when our community needs us the most.

We are proud to live in a city that nurtures creative talent and welcomes thousands of visitors every day. Can you help us keep Edinburgh a welcoming place for everyone? Together we can tackle homelessness.

Visit the Cyrenians website to support our vital work.