Homelessness in the north-east is “not getting any better”, according to Shelter Scotland.
New statistics have shown that 2,269 households in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have been assessed by the charity as homeless.
The total remains similar to last year.
In addition 767 households were classed as temporary accommodation – a 6% reduction on last year – and 275 homeless children were recorded in temporary accommodation – up 2% on last year.
Shelter Scotland is now calling on ministers to speed up efforts to stop people becoming homeless and to radically address the chronic shortage of homes for rent.
Mark Thomson, Shelter Scotland Aberdeen Community hub manager, said: “It’s good news that things haven’t got worse in the north-east but it’s not got any better either.
“There is still room for improvement as homelessness levels remain far too high.
“Our team has been working flat out to help hundreds of people keep their home this year and we will continue to work closely with Aberdeen City Council to make sure people have all the support they need when facing homelessness.”
Gordon MacRae, head of communications and policy at Shelter Scotland, added: “These statistics expose the devastating impact Scotland’s housing emergency is having on people’s lives.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the progress the Scottish Government has made on building 50,000 affordable homes, including 35,000 for social rent by 2021.
“New Scottish Government-led initiatives like rapid rehousing will take time to bed in, but these only deal with the terrible consequences of becoming homeless, they do not address stopping homelessness by preventing it in the first place.”
