£10k funding for Positive Action in Housing refugee programme

The Positive Action in Housing charity based in Glasgow has recently received a generous donation of £10,000 from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. This funding will go towards supporting the charity’s Room for Refugees Hosting Programme, a vital initiative that offers shelter to destitute and homeless individuals by placing them in the homes of volunteer hosts.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Room for Refugees programme has provided stable and temporary accommodation to those in need, allowing them to regularise their legal status in a safe environment. Volunteer hosts open their doors to those seeking shelter, while Room for Refugees manages the process, focusing on transitioning asylum seekers to independent living once their asylum cases are resolved with the Home Office.

This programme has received referrals from a variety of external organisations, including the British Red Cross and Refugee Council. As of March 31st, 2024, it has successfully housed 6,581 individuals from refugee and migrant communities.

Robina Qureshi, the CEO of Positive Action in Housing, expressed her gratitude for the donation, stating, “We are immensely grateful to the trustees of the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their remarkable generosity in supporting our Room for Refugees programme. This substantial donation will profoundly impact our ability to provide safe and secure spaces for people seeking refuge and help rebuild their lives. This act of kindness reinforces our belief in the power of community and the importance of standing together in times of need.”

She added, “The Facenna family, and everyone at Allied Vehicles, have shown truly visionary leadership in this regard, and we hope this encourages more people to come forward and offer rooms in their homes to people from refugee backgrounds. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Trustees for creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all.”

In the current challenging fundraising climate for Scottish charities, where public donations have decreased significantly due to the cost-of-living crisis, the support from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will enable Positive Action in Housing to continue assisting refugees and asylum seekers, not only with shelter but also critical support services such as legal aid, welfare rights, and resettlement assistance.

David Facenna, corporate culture director at Allied Vehicles Group, expressed his personal connection to the cause, stating, “The work of Positive Action in Housing and their Room for Refugees programme is very close to my family’s heart. Their commitment to providing safe shelter and support to vulnerable refugees, many of whom have faced unimaginable hardship, aligns with our values, and we are delighted to contribute to their impactful work.”