A Dunfermline man who was homeless is one of the driving forces behind a Church of Scotland project offering shelter.
A congregation in Edinburgh has converted one of its buildings into a care shelter for up to 75 rough sleepers.
It is a safe haven for men and women who are more accustomed to sleeping in doorways.
Thanks to a £220,000 refurbishment the wooden pews have been replaced with beds, the vesty and small rooms converted and a new extension added to the former Stenhouse St Aidan’s Parish Church building.
Renamed Diadem, volunteers from around 70 local congregations cook an evening meal for users every night.
The emergency accommodation project, which opened last December on a trial basis, is a joint venture between Gorgie, Dalry, Stenhouse Church of Scotland and Bethany Christian Trust.
It has received high praise from local church community outreach worker, Fifer Michael McMullin, 49, who has been one of the people leading the drive to get it off the ground.
The former accountant was forced to couch surf, sleep in his car and in streets when he lived in Aberdeenshire for two months after his marriage broke down.
The situation left him feeling “powerless and unloved”.
“I was lucky that I had friends who helped me get back on my feet, and I hope that the work we are helping to do can help break the circle for people who have fallen on hard times,” he said.
“They are valued human beings and the church family does not judge – it provides a warm and safe environment.”
So far the shelter has welcomed 653 different people. An average of 60 people have used it each night.
Building manager David MacLennan said: “The pilot project has been a resounding success.”
The Care Shelter originally began in Edinburgh as a two-week pilot in 1996 and has grown to 32 weeks, covering the coldest months of the year.
Until now it rotated round different church venues and users slept on mats on the floor.
Clients like it, as Mr MacLennan added: “One lady was literally dancing with joy at the prospect of having the comfort of a bed and a hot shower.”
It is hoped the centre, which closes for the summer in May, will reopen on a permanent basis in September.
Ruth Longmuir from the Bethany Christian Trust said: “Diadem is a wonderful venue and we are delighted to be based there.
“We are thankful that Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church shares our vision for the Care Shelter and have so generously provided this building for our long-term use.”
