Earlier this month, Positive Action in Housing delivered its Winter Destitution Surgery. This vital initiative organised shelter, provided emergency homelessness advice, and distributed crisis grants to support destitute refugees and asylum seekers, helping them survive the harsh winter and meet their most basic human needs.
Thanks to our donors' generous support, we distributed 479 emergency grants, directly benefiting 1,022 individuals, comprising 629 adults and 393 children. These life saving vouchers covered essentials such as healthy foods, baby items, shelter, children's clothing, energy costs, phone data, and bus travel. We reached refugees and asylum seekers in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, and other towns and cities across Scotland.
We reached people from 42 countries of origin, including Syria, Eritrea, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Compared to the previous year, we observed a 79% increase in the number of children receiving support. Among the 209 families assisted, many were dealing with significant health challenges such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, PTSD, physical injuries and mental health struggles. (Several people living in hotels reported that the food provided was insufficient and had a high carb content. People with diabetes and stomach problems reported that the food was making them more ill).
This surgery enabled us to support 129 individuals who were potential victims of trafficking or survivors of torture. Additionally, we assisted 64 lone women, 40 young people under the age of 21 without family support, and nine older individuals facing isolation.
These life-saving interventions not only prevented hunger and destitution but also provided families with the resources to access childcare products, travel to hospital appointments, and attend legal consultations. This support has been crucial in helping families rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
We are deeply grateful for our supporters' invaluable contributions to this programme. It is only through your generosity that we can respond to the urgent needs of vulnerable individuals and families during such challenging times. Our work to support those facing destitution and poverty will continue throughout the year, and we welcome donations to help us respond to the high demand. See below for how to donate. Thank you for standing with us and the communities we serve.
With best wishes and kind regards,
Robina Qureshi
Positive Action in Housing
