Positive Action in Housing refugee programme receives £10,000 funding

The funding will support the charity’s Room for Refugees Hosting Programme, a crucial initiative that offers shelter for destitute and homeless people fleeing war or persecution in the homes of volunteer hosts.

Since 2002, the Room for Refugees programme has offered stable, temporary shelter to those in need, enabling them to regularise their legal status in a safe environment.

Volunteer hosts offer accommodation, and Room for Refugees manages the process. It emphasises moving asylum seekers onto independent living after resolving their asylum cases with the Home Office.

The programme has received referrals from 81 external organisations, including the British Red Cross and Refugee Council, and as of March 31st, 2024, has successfully sheltered 6,581 people from refugee and migrant communities.

“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.”  David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director

Robina Qureshi, the CEO of Positive Action in Housing, expressed her gratitude for the funding: “We are immensely grateful to the trustees of the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their remarkable generosity in supporting our Room for Refugees Community. 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.

“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, more inclusive future for all.”

The current fundraising climate for Scottish charities is exceptionally difficult, as public donations have reduced substantially in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Trust's support will help Positive Action in Housing continue assisting refugees and asylum seekers, offering them not only shelter but also critical support services, including legal aid, welfare rights, and resettlement assistance.

David Facenna, corporate culture director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “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.”