Two thirds of homeless children in temporary accommodation in Glasgow are from refugee households
27 January 2025
The revelation in The Herald on Sunday (26 January) that two-thirds of homeless children in temporary accommodation in Glasgow are from refugee households reflects the devastating reality we see daily at Positive Action in Housing.

According to the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, 2,101 out of 3,499 homeless children in the city are from refugee families. Families, regardless of their background, are stuck in limbo due to a critical shortage of suitable housing. Immigrant children are 48% more likely to grow up in poverty, and this housing crisis only deepens the inequalities they face.
A home provides more than a roof—it’s the foundation for stability, where families can rebuild their lives and learn, work, and contribute to society. Evidence from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (2023) shows that allowing asylum seekers to work while awaiting decisions could add £30 million annually to Scotland’s economy. Similarly, a 2017 report by the Federation of Small Businesses found that immigrant-led businesses in Scotland generated £13 billion annually and provided 107,000 jobs. With the stability of a home, refugees and migrants can give back even more quickly as workers, volunteers, and active community members.
Glasgow has a proud history of welcoming those fleeing persecution, but this crisis is stretching the city’s resources to breaking point. Without urgent collaboration and investment from both the UK and Scottish governments, the long-term social and economic costs will far outweigh the price of acting now. Housing is where hope begins, and by addressing this crisis, we can create stronger, fairer communities that benefit everyone.
Article: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24879942.two-thirds-homeless-children-emergency-digs-refugees/