A household becomes homeless every 18 minutes in Scotland. Every 18 minutes. This is less time than it takes to bake a cake, or walk a mile, or watch an episode of Coronation Street. It is a fifth of a football match, not including half time. For a household to become homeless every 18 minutes – such a short amount of time – is a shameful indication of the current housing emergency in Scotland.
If this statistic has shocked or angered you, then volunteering provides an opportunity for you to use your own time to bring about change. Throughout September we will be recruiting volunteers for a range of roles that support our work, regardless of how much time you have to spare.
We have a range of regular volunteering opportunities for people who have 3-4 hours a week to spare, including directly helping people experiencing housing issues or conducting research to help us secure more income. In one of these roles, 18 minutes would allow you to listen to and reassure a person at risk of homelessness, or to read and record the key points from a government strategy.
If you don’t have a lot time to spare and can’t commit to a regular role, perhaps our Community Volunteer role would suit. This flexible role means that you choose which activities you want to support from a variety of options. 18 minutes as community volunteer could mean that you speak to 3 people about our latest campaign, or collect £50 in donations.
However much time you have, together we can make a real difference to the lives of those affected by bad housing or homelessness.
Together we can provide support to people at risk of homelessness.
Together we can ensure that the rights of tenants are defended.
Together we can raise more money to support people facing housing crisis.
Together we can change the country.
For more information about volunteering with us, visit www.shelterscotland.org/volunteer