Background

Since 2003, we have been assisting a growing number of asylum seekers whose claims have been refused by the Home Office. In 2004-5, we assisted 138 destitute asylum seekers. 

Their accommodation and benefits are stopped. they are then evicted from their homes, refused recourse to public funds i.e. hostels, homeless units, benefits etc. No public agency is permitted to assist them or provide support. They are not permitted to take up paid work. Those asylum seekers who are willing to return to their country of origin are offered hardship accommodation and food vouchers. 

Destitution arises for asylum seekers who are seeking a judicial review of their asylum claims (their benefits and accommodation is still stopped) or are not able to return to their country of origin (e.g. asylum seekers from China cannot be returned to that country because China has a policy of not accepting back asylum seekers; Asylum seekers from Iraq or Iran cannot return because it is unsafe for them to do so). For others, it is impossible for them to return because they face persecution or death if they do.

The Scottish Asylum Seekers’ Consortium has confirmed that from 2005 onwards, many more Scottish local authorities will be taking dispersed asylum seekers which means that a growing number of asylum seekers will be made destitute. 

Positive Action in Housing is working in partnership with local Churches, religious groups, the Quakers, the Iona community, the Sevarian missionaries, and many individuals who are appalled that vulnerable people are being left on the streets, and potentially driven into an invisible underclass where no one can help them. we have developed excellent links with the police who often refer destitute asylum seekers to Crisispoint. 

Important info for service users:

• This service is a last resort for destitute asylum seekers who have absolutely nowhere else to stay and no financial support. 

• We do not have readily available emergency accommodation but must ask individuals, faith groups or others on our database to offer temporary shelter.

• We urge agencies supporting destitute asylum seekers to exhaust your own contacts before making a referral to the project.

• If you have somewhere to stay, e.g. temporarily with friends, then we strongly advise you to stay put for as long as possible.

about crisispoint

We aim to provide destitute asylum seekers with a temporary place to stay and, in some cases, financial support and hostel accommodation, in order to avoid rooflessness. 

Shelter & advice

Crisispoint can help by giving clients time to to decide what to do for the future, for example, breathing space to decide how to return to their country of origin when they feel it is safe and practical for them, pursue a judicial review of their case, or make up delays in getting hardship accommodation or support from Social work, or try to seek other legal support from a position of shelter rather than from the danger of the streets, or worse. 

Our caseworkers provide information, advice and practical assistance to destitute asylum seekers or agencies wishing to make a referral. They also

• liaise with solicitors, the Scottish Refugee Council and, where relevant, the Social Work Department.

• inform service users of their options.

• offer practical assistance by issuing appeals to our supporters on behalf of clients for temporary shelter.

Financial support 

Our Destitution Fund is a lifeline for those left destitute, hungry and vulnerable by the government's harsh asylum laws. We use it to provide our clients with small amounts of money, for essentials like food and cheap hostels, at times of total crisis in their lives. To allow us to keep helping in this way, please donate to our destitution fund. You can do this in many ways, including some that are free!

Destitution Taking Action Pack 

Click here for the Destitution Action Pack

Thank you also to the many people and organisations who came forward to offer temporary shelter to destitute clients.

This service is the only one of its kind in Scotland.

We rely on donations to keep this vital service afloat.

Disclaimer: We do our best to assess each client's suitability for temporary accommodation offered by individuals or agencies. However, Positive Action in Housing  accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or injury arising from placement of a client.

To find out more, call 0141 353 2220

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