Dear friend,
As we prepare for the winter break, our thoughts remain with the new friends we made during the year, those who fled their home countries to find safety somewhere in this world.
I think of the tense messages shared with Vlad, Denis, Nataliya, Anastasia, Halina, and the youngest, Arina, who were trying to leave increasingly dangerous war zones in Ukraine. The bonds of humanity formed under such intense pressure remain. I want to extend sincere thanks to those who risked their lives to help bring people out. It's not easy to be away from home. Our Emergency Relief Fund and the Room for Refugee Programme have brought people out of war and into safety in someone's home. This work will continue in 2023 - with your help. So far, we have provided shelter to over 405 Ukrainian families and children and sheltered over 4,000 refugees since Room for Refugees began. In 2023, as well as bringing people to safety, we are working with the Scottish Government to provide hosting opportunities to Ukrainians in Scotland. To offer shelter in your home or property, visit www.roomforrefugees.com.
Sadly, we cannot provide similar sanctuary to black and brown refugees fleeing wars and persecution in Iran, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and elsewhere. They have no safe route here - unlike the Ukrainians. The UK Government has effectively blocked off safe routes to them and turbo-charged human smuggling networks. Of course, this approach is nothing short of open racism. Yet the global refugee crisis is set to grow by millions in 2023. It's a universal truth that when you block safe routes, people smugglers step into the void. We need safe routes now.
Thanks to our supporters, our annual winter surgery is successfully delivering direct humanitarian support to hundreds of refugee men, women and children who have fled war and persecution, including those from Iran, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, as well as Ukraine - despite the freezing weather, postal and rail strikes. We provided vouchers to buy essential food items, warm clothes, and small crisis payments for phone top-ups and bus travel. We also offered essential digital tech to help people stay connected. People are incredibly grateful for the support. We delivered support to 328 adults and 202 dependent children in Aberdeen, Perth, Falkirk, Edinburgh and Glasgow. We also provided support in London and Brighton via our referral partners: Helen Bamber Foundation, Hestia, Hope For The Young, Housing Justice Hosting Project, Jesuit Refugee Service UK, Praxis Community Projects, Refugee Action, South London Refugee Association, The Hummingbird Refugee Project, The Manna Society, The Passage and Young Roots. We also support a small number of refugees transferred from Manston Asylum Centre.
In 2023, Positive Action in Housing intends to stay true to its mission - to help refugees and asylum seekers rebuild their lives after a crisis. However, the ongoing cost of living situation is having an adverse impact as more people reduce charitable donations. We know too well that times are tough for everyone, and we appreciate your contribution. Regular donations significantly help us to plan life-saving interventions. To make a regular or one-off donation, see below. If your group or community would like Positive Action in housing to give a presentation about our various projects, drop us a line here.
Thank you, as ever for your ongoing support, we are anxious but ready for what 2023 brings,
Best wishes and kind regards,
Robina Qureshi
Director
Read more about our Winter Appeal here.
See our Latest annual review and check us out in the Guardian.
