Turning a house into a home - the story of a transformation - Part One

Lina, a 30-year-old Palestinian refugee and PhD student in Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, has just received a housing association flat in Glasgow through Wheatley Homes. She’s finally beginning to build a home for herself and her two young daughters after months of living in temporary accommodation.

The flat, however, needs major work before it’s livable — no carpets, bare floors, no furniture or storage. Lina has been painting it herself, determined to make it a safe and welcoming space for her girls, with help from a friend — also from Palestine — who studied Pharmacy in Glasgow and lives in Maryhill. Her friend’s husband kindly painted the flat, leaving it looking fresh and bright, ready for the next stage of work.

Volunteers Alison and Stephen, who live in Balfron, have stepped in to help. Alison, 63, and Stephen, 65, have visited the flat, taken measurements for flooring, and are sourcing affordable materials and furniture. Alison is arranging a visit from J&W Carpets to get prices for vinyl and laminate, while Stephen is helping look for a sofa, beds, blinds, and curtain poles.

Lina will soon receive a fridge, cooker, and washing machine through the Scottish Welfare Fund — a small but vital start. Her husband is currently studying on a Sanctuary Scholarship, and he does not yet have leave to remain. Once his status is resolved, he hopes to join his family in Glasgow.

This is the story so far. Here are photos of the accommodation. Lina is very grateful to have finally been rehoused, but the family clearly needs help to furnish and decorate their home. Once the flat is decorated, we’ll share photos of their new space.

We’re deeply grateful to Alison and Stephen for their time, care, and initiative - this is the tenth family home they have helped to transform - and to everyone who continues to stand with refugee families as they rebuild their lives from scratch.

If you’d like to help families like Lina’s, you can support our Refugee Appeal, which provides essential household care items, flooring, and furniture for newly rehoused refugees across Glasgow.