Fresh Start

Fresh Start is an Edinburgh Churches charity which was established in July 1999 to provide services that support the resettlement of homeless people in the community. It has strong connections to every Church of Scotland congregation in Edinburgh Presbytery, and was set up by church members who wanted to do something practical as a response to the growing crisis of homelessness.

Fresh Start has 3 aims:
1. to enable Edinburgh churches to work together.
2. to provide opportunities to do something practical to help homeless people.
3. to help homeless people to make a success of a new tenancy.

They now offer a package of five services - starter packs for those obtaining a new flat; hit squads to help with decorating; befriending; electrical goods; cookers.

They always welcome new volunteers, and gifts of various items such as cutlery, linen etc. A complete list can be found on their web site.