Rutherglen man benefits from Cambuslang homeless unit

Feb 10 2010 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

A RUTHERGLEN man is one of the first people to benefit from the new homeless accommodation in Halfway.

The Eva Burrows first stop project is owned and managed by the Salvation Army, and provides accommodation and support for adults who are homeless in the Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Blantyre areas.

Their aim is to provide a safe and secure environment for individuals to live, while actively working towards more permanent accommodation in the community.

Referrals to the Eva Burrows first stop are made exclusively by South Lanarkshire Council.

The centre will be for individuals and households with low support needs, not for people with chaotic behaviour.

Referrals are accepted for single adults, male and female, who are aged over 18 years, and people will stay for up to a maximum of 56 days.

One of those benefiting is Stuart McGall (55), originally from Rutherglen.

He said: “I was depressed for a long time, I had a drink problem, and I ended up in hospital.

“When I came out, I was homeless, but now this is just fantastic being here – it’s brand new, and the staff are great.

“I’m probably the oldest one here just now, but they’ve made me feel at home. Everybody knows your name, and it’s helping me get myself back together again.

“I kept waking up during the first couple of nights because I could hear this noise, but it was the fridge in the room. You’re definitely not used to that at first.

“There’s a good feeling about the place. We’ve all talked about how we’ve ended up here. Everyone’s got a story to tell.

“This has given me a chance to get back on my feet. I’ve lost about six stone through not eating, but I’m tee-total now and not had a drink in six months. I was in a pub earlier today for my lunch, and had a cup of tea with it.

“We’re trying to help each other too, as we’re all in the same boat, even if it’s just wee things, like running out of tea bags. We can all relate to each other as we’re all homeless.

“There’s a good feeling about this place. Since I came out of hospital I’ve spoken with my boy for the first time in 16 years. The good thing is we’re talking again, and it’s brought the family back together.

“This place is helping to give me my life back.”