Home Sweet home from Glasgow

There was no cooker, bed or anything. The housing association was going to fit a cooker. But it was clear that he was struggling and needed help. Suliman spoke of his dream of getting a job now that he could finally work and stand independently. But without even a bed to sleep in, it wasn’t easy. He was asleep on the floor. “Living in the hotel was not easy. We received £9 a week. I don’t know how I survived on that for a year. The food we were given affected our stomachs, and some people got ill. We were charged for washing our clothes out of the money we got. I’m glad I have my own flat. I can keep it clean and cook the food that I like.”

Positive Action in Housing’s Humans of Glasgow volunteers Alison and Stephen ensured that Suliman was supplied with bedding, a double bed, a wardrobe kit, a sofa and a coffee table, which doubles as a breakfast table. Alison and Stephen provided dishes, pots, and pans to friends and neighbours. A  member donated a nest of coffee tables. Stephen decided to sand and varnish to remove coffee marks, some pots and pans, more bedding, cleaning materials, and. a Bedside cabinet. We also used a grant donated from our Emergency Relief Fund to help make Suliman’s home welcoming and cosy. Suliman also painted the walls himself. 

“We were just pleased to be able to help someone who is starting out. Suliman is delightful so it was easy to help. This is home now.” 

Suliman said:

“I don’t have a lot of furniture, but this is beautiful. You have fulfilled my hopes. I’m so happy to have a home, no one tells me what or when to eat.
I’m looking forward to restarting my life and giving something back for this chance to finally rebuild my life and settle in a real community with neighbours. There’s so much I can do for others now the way others helped me.” 

To donate to the Emergency Relief Fund visit www.positiveactionh.org/donate