HOMELESSNESS in Glasgow needs a radical risk-taking solution to end the misery for hundreds of people each year, according to one of the city’s support services.
Glasgow City Mission operates a night shelter over the winter months and also deals with homeless people all year round.
It took in more than 600 different people to its night shelter over a four month period this year.
Chief executive Grant Campbell said a big change in attitudes and working is needed.
Mr Campbell said his team takes a “pitbull attitude” that they are not letting go of someone who can be helped and will take risks to get the right outcome.
One example he cites of taking a risk to get a solution was a couple rough-
sleeping on the streets of Glasgow.
Mr Campbell said the unconventional intervention by his support workers probably prevented a fatality on the streets.
He said: “We were concerned we could have been looking at a death. It was a weekend night and we couldn’t get access to any services. 
“We paid for a hotel and brought them back to the Mission to get showered and cleaned up before staff took the couple to a hotel.
“That was a risk but we gained enough trust from the woman that she was persuaded to go to A & E.”
He said services need to be flexible and must trust the case workers on the ground more.
One big idea he wants to see come to fruition is a one-stop service hub where staff from all relevant agencies are housed in one place.
Mr Campbell said a facility where people can get accommodation, health checks, advice and support for addictions services and other help with any long term issues that leads to or exacerbates their homelessness.
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council, said: “The city centre multi-agency hub is an idea that has been developed through our partnership with the Third Sector. 
“A more detailed proposal will come forward in the near future, but it is intended the hub will provide a single point of access to a wide range of support for adults with multiple and complex needs.
“As part of the City Government’s first 100 days in office, we will be hosting a summit on homelessness with the housing associations and homelessness organisations.”
“We want to agree a common agenda for tackling homelessness in Glasgow.”