Scottish Churches Housing Action (SCHA), in association with Recycling First, Fresh Start and East Lothian Council, has launched a new venture to provide starter packs to people who become or are at risk of homelessness within East Lothian.

The success of the project is dependent on the support of East Lothian’s churches, 11 of which are now signed up, with hopefully more to come.

Recycling First collects furniture and other items from all parts of East Lothian and distributes goods to people in need.

Fresh Start links in with the Edinburgh churches to collect and distribute smaller items such as pots and pans, bed linen, cutlery and crockery.

Heather Zajac, development manager at SCHA, said: “When someone gets a house from the council or a housing association after they have been homeless, it is empty. They don’t get furniture, bedding, cooking essentials or cleaning equipment. And they don’t generally have money to kit their new home out.

“Families may help, but often people are cut off from family. Churches are a crucial part of helping the community.”