We can build ourselves out of the housing emergency

We know how to fix the housing emergency – by building more social homes. Now it’s up to the candidates standing to represent us to deliver.

• Watch our new campaign video, featuring our straight-talking gran

  With the Scottish election fast approaching on 7 May, Shelter Scotland took to the streets of Glasgow with our straight‑talking gran to hear what people have to say about the housing emergency.

  Over tea and biscuits, people shared the pressures they’re facing - rising rents, long waits for a secure home, and the toll this takes on families and wellbeing.

  These are real experiences from Glasgow, and they reflect a housing emergency now affecting 2.3 million people across Scotland.

  Their message is clear: we need to break ground, build more social homes and end Scotland’s housing emergency.

   

With you standing by our side, we have delivered big wins. Our movement pushed the Scottish Government to declare a housing emergency in 2024. Since then, we’ve kept the pressure on them to fix it - sending 25,000 emails to politicians in the last year alone. Now it’s more important than ever that we make our voices heard, while political parties and candidates are actively listening to voters.

As the Scottish Parliament election draws closer, we have a message for candidates: ending Scotland’s housing emergency must be their top priority.

Too many families are experiencing homelessness, kids don't have bedrooms of their own, and those renting privately are paying sky high rents. We know what works. When Scotland faced a housing emergency before, we built social homes - and whole communities were stronger for it. 

That's why we're asking our movement of active campaigners like you to contact the candidates standing in your area and tell them to prioritise building at least 15,693 new social homes every year of the next parliament.[1] This may be the first time many candidates have heard this, and those standing for re-election will need reminding.

Your message will help pile the pressure on politicians to commit to building the social homes Scotland needs.

It only takes a few seconds. Add your name, send your message, and let's get Scotland building again.

Email your local candidates TODAY.

[1] Affordable Housing Need in Scotland Post-2026, commissioned by Shelter Scotland, CIH Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations