The first year of operation
1 August 1996
In June 1995, Positive Action in Housing Ltd. opened its offices in Glasgow with two members of staff, a full-time Director, Robina Qureshi, and a part-time Admin Officer.
David Orr, Director of SFHA, addresses an audience of 200 attending the launch of Positive Action in Housing at Glasgow City Chambers. L to R: Judith Tankel, Commissioner Mousa Jogee and Clr Mohammed Sarwar
It had committed funding of just £40,000. The funding shortfall was due to the Barings Collapse, which stopped a significant source of funding from the Baring Foundation.
By the financial year 1996/97, the organisation raised funds from membership and the Scottish Office. It employed three full-time staff and, among its achievements, had organised a major national conference attended by over 300 delegates.
That conference successfully persuaded Scottish Homes to target £10M development funding towards the unmet housing needs of people from ethnic minority communities in Glasgow. Scottish Homes also committed to supporting the Ethnic Minority Led Housing Initiative, a steering group aiming to set up as the first Ethnic Minority led housing provider.
By the financial year, 1996/97 the total funding was c. £138,000 as a result of the overwhelming support of its housing association members, corporate and charitable funders. Positive Action in Housing Ltd was looking to extend its activities, mainly campaigning, outreach and housing information and advice to Edinburgh and Dundee. We hoped also to receive additional support from the Scottish Office for this work.