As part of our commitment to our Corporate Social Responsibility, our 2020 focus is on those sleeping rough and struggling families, in temporary accommodation, all of whom, we are advised, are also especially vulnerable to the effects of the current COVID-19 virus, with many suffering from pre-existing health conditions, having nowhere to wash their hands, and those put up in shared emergency housing struggling to self-isolate if they need to. Whilst the Scottish Government has pledged an emergency support package to help, we are aware of warnings, issued by several charities, that a number of hurdles still remain because of the complex range of issues many homeless people have.
With the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many charities are also currently concerned about their financial position. Hacking and Paterson have the strong belief that, with the severe impact charities are facing during these difficult times, it is vitally important to ensure donations continue to reach our chosen charities, and we were delighted to donate £5000 to assist the great work of Shelter Scotland. Our people look forward to taking up the invitation by Shelter Scotland, to visit and see more of what they do within local communities, as soon as it is safe to do so.
For our customers unfamiliar with the work of the charity, Shelter Scotland helps over half a million people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through their advice, support and legal services. They also campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to them for help.
Operating four local hubs that offer specialist advice on Housing, Money & Debt, and Welfare Benefits, they also have a team of solicitors who make sure clients rights are represented and fairly enforced. Support services are available to help those who require ongoing support and Shelter Scotland help and support anyone dealing with issues affecting their ability to find or keep a home.
All of this in keeping with their vision to strive every day to give people the help they need and to campaign relentlessly to achieve their vision of a safe, secure, affordable home for everyone.
Emma Jackson from Shelter Scotland commented:
“Home has never meant more than it does just now when having a good place to live is keeping us all safe in the midst of this pandemic.
“This health emergency has collided with an existing housing emergency and we have seen a great effort happen to bring people inside and stop evictions.
“However, hotels and other types of shared temporary accommodation are no substitute for a proper home and the horrors of cramped and poor conditions will be magnified by life in lockdown with most of the day spent in one room.
“This generous donation to our Glasgow community hub from Hacking & Paterson will help us to be there for as many people as possible. This is vital as there are serious concerns that when the restrictions on evictions are lifted many more people will struggle with rent arrears and may find their home at risk.”
