The Unseen Reality of Homelessness in Edinburgh – How Four Square is Making a Difference

To protect their privacy, names have been changed, but the people involved would like these stories to be shared.

When we think of homelessness, we often picture someone sleeping rough on the street. However, in Edinburgh, the crisis is frequently hidden, affecting a wide range of people whose stories don’t fit the stereotype.

Every person we meet is unique. Greta and Jackie believed their housing was secure, yet found themselves on the brink of homelessness.

This is the reality of homelessness in Edinburgh.

Four Square refuses to let people like Greta and Jackie fall through the cracks. By combining specialist housing knowledge with empathy and determination, we ensure everyone can access the targeted support they need to secure a home.

Story 1: In work yet trapped in unsafe housing

What happened?

Greta and her husband were a family that, on paper, should have been stable. Her husband was in full-time employment in Edinburgh. Yet, their privately rented accommodation was damp, mouldy, and poorly heated.

They tried to leave but they were bound to a lease and couldn’t find somewhere else to stay.

The constant dampness was worsening Greta’s youngest child’s medical condition. Her oldest child required psychological support at school due to the anxiety caused by their housing situation.

"Where I was staying before was really bad and completely unsuitable. Nobody helped me. I went to the council so many times... but no one helped me.”

How Four Square’s Visiting Housing Support Made a Difference:

Greta was distressed and exhausted when we spoke to her. She had seen our number on a leaflet.
We took time to understand the details of the family’s situation, working with specialist partners to challenge decisions on her homelessness application.
Through advocating for the family, we ensured they were recognised as homeless.
We secured self-contained, temporary accommodation suitable for a young family.
The family now has stability and feels safe for the first time in years. The children are thriving.
We will continue to work with Greta and her family. We are ambitious for those experiencing homelessness; we will not let them fall through the cracks.
Greta’s case demonstrates that even families with full-time employment and a place to stay can experience homelessness.

"I want people to know about Four Square. If you are in trouble, if you feel like nothing is working, they will work hard to help you get there."

Story 2: The shock of eviction, aged 67

What happened?

At 67, Jackie believed she was settled in her private rented flat. However, a change in ownership of the property resulted in an eviction notice.

We received Jackie’s referral from a partner organisation.

The shock of losing her stable home had severely impacted Jackie’s mental health. Facing a complex housing market as she neared 70 with mobility issues was devastating.

"When I was asked to leave my home, I was absolutely beside myself. I’d worked all my life. Homelessness was something I thought happened to other people, not to me in my late sixties."

How Four Square’s Visiting Housing Support Made a Difference:

Jackie needed help navigating a digital-based system she found complex.
We supported her through the councils’ homelessness assessment, advocating to ensure that any temporary accommodation offered was suitable for her age and mobility.
Jackie’s Four Square representative supported her to secure the necessary medical evidence and attended her Occupational Therapy assessment.
After the complex, year-long process, Four Square helped Jackie move into a permanent, ground-floor flat, even sourcing essential furnishings.
Jackie has started a new chapter in her life. Her story highlights the vulnerability of some elderly adults who find themselves facing a complex housing market without specialist support.

"I appreciated being treated like a person and never made to feel daft for asking questions. I’d always been independent and working, so asking for help wasn’t easy."