More than £1.25m for refugee and asylum seeker charities has been raised by the Guardian and Observer’s annual appeal as readers are urged to take advantage of their “last chance” to give as the campaign enters its final week
The 2023 appeal is supporting three charities – Refugee Councils of Britain, Refugees at Home and the No Accommodation Network (Naccom) – that provide frontline help to homeless and destitute refugees and asylum seekers and campaign for a more humane asylum system.
More than 11,300 readers have so far donated this year. It is the eighth successive appeal in which at least £1m has been raised. The appeal is open through to midnight on Sunday.
Saeed Masser, who featured in a piece published by the appeal when he was made homeless following his eviction from Home Office accommodation on the day he received his refugee status offered readers his “heartfelt thanks” for their generosity.
He said: “In the cold embrace of desperation and solitude, I stumbled upon an unforeseen haven in Refugees at Home. My hosts didn’t merely rescue me from the harsh elements; they enveloped me in a cocoon of warmth and acceptance that transcended the physical shelter they provided.
“Their benevolence was a profound act of humanity that reached into the depths of my soul. A clean room and a warm bed became more than amenities; they symbolised a sanctuary where the scars of homelessness could start to heal.”
Daniel Gerring, the chair of trustees at Refugees at Home, said: “We are absolutely blown away by the generosity of Guardian and Observer readers. From all of the hosts across the country who have opened their doors to support refugees and asylum seekers, and on behalf of all of their guests who have been given a warm bed and a welcoming smile, thank you.”
Bridget Young, the director of Naccom, said: “Against the backdrop of a cost of living crisis and increases in all forms of homelessness, charities in the Naccom network are facing severe pressure due to demand for their services. The funding from the appeal will enable many of our members to continue their work providing a vital safety net to people in the asylum and immigration system facing homelessness and destitution.”
