Shelter Scotland’s Housing Network Fights Racism.

Shelter Scotland is gearing up to unveil an exciting new anti-racism in housing network at an upcoming event to be held at Wheatley House next month. This network will bring together housing professionals, community groups, and representative bodies to create a platform for open discussions and to facilitate the development of anti-racist practices within the sector.

Those in attendance at the launch will have the opportunity to listen to speakers from esteemed organisations such as the Poverty Alliance and Romano Lav, a community-based organisation that works closely with the migrant Roma communities in Govanhill. Additionally, Dr Idil Akinci-Pérez, a lecturer in Social Policy and Race at the University of Edinburgh, will deliver a speech at the event.

The inaugural meeting of the network is scheduled for the 13th of November at Wheatley House in Glasgow, and registration is currently open for those interested in participating.

Alison Watson, director of Shelter Scotland, emphasised the importance of acknowledging the bias within Scotland’s housing system, stating, “There’s a growing acceptance that Scotland’s housing system is broken, but what’s unfortunately less often discussed is how biased it is as well. We know that people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis, and the sector frequently fails to adequately meet their needs. In the worst cases, individuals are forced from their homes due to racism.”

Watson continued, “It is the responsibility of everyone in the housing sector to challenge and change this reality by adopting an anti-racist approach to addressing the housing crisis. I believe that the launch of this network will serve as a crucial first step on this collective journey.”

Steven Henderson, chief executive of Wheatley Group, expressed his organisation’s commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming communities for all tenants, “By providing support and resources, we can ensure everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background. By collaborating with partners, we can build stronger, more cohesive communities where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to thrive. We are excited to support Shelter Scotland by hosting the inaugural meeting of the housing network and discussing ways to further support tenants across Scotland.”