The global refugee crisis is worsening.
In 2025, more than 36 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes because of war, persecution, and climate disaster. Many live in desperate conditions without access to basic human rights such as food, shelter, or safety.
Positive Action in Housing’s Lifeline Programme remains a crucial source of hope and practical support for refugees and asylum seekers facing destitution and exclusion in the UK. Demand for our help has never been greater.
Through the Lifeline Programme, we deliver emergency humanitarian aid and crisis grants through our Emergency Relief Fund, providing food, shelter, transport, and essentials for people left with no access to housing, income, or state support. Many are unjustly trapped in a system that treats them as invisible despite their right to protection.
Our dedicated caseworkers work tirelessly across Scotland and the wider UK, supporting families, individuals, and survivors of trauma through moments of acute crisis. Alongside humanitarian aid, we offer long-term support to help people rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
This year, we expect to distribute over £150,000 in crisis grants to people fleeing war, persecution, and violence in countries including Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Eritrea, Iran, Afghanistan, and Yemen. Each grant provides a vital lifeline — a safe place to sleep, food to eat, and the means to reach safety or access essential services.
Our pioneering Room for Refugees Network continues to be the largest and longest-running refugee hosting programme in the UK. Since its inception, it has provided safe shelter to over 5,000 displaced people in the homes of volunteer hosts in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, and beyond. Hosts offer more than just accommodation — they offer stability, kindness, and a chance to recover from trauma.
Hundreds of vulnerable children, women, and men have been able to rebuild their lives because of this work. But the need is growing. In the coming months, we expect more elderly refugees, pregnant women, families with children, and people with disabilities to seek urgent help as living costs rise and statutory support continues to fall short.
With your support, we can do more. Every donation provides direct, immediate relief — helping people to survive, recover, and rebuild their futures.
Every contribution matters.
• Donate today and add Gift Aid if you can.
• Set up a regular payment (standing order) to Positive Action in Housing Ltd (SC027577).
Visit www.paih.org/donate for details. Every penny goes directly to providing emergency relief for destitute refugees and asylum seekers across the UK.
Gift Aid from this appeal supports our core humanitarian work.
For more information, email donate@positiveactionh.org
Thank you for standing with refugees and being part of this vital work. Together, we can restore hope, dignity, and justice to those who need it most.
