95 - helping family from Iraq settle into new home




This weekend, we can tell you about our 95th donation of £500, which has gone to help a family, recently resettling in Sheffield.


This family is originally from Iraq and have previously tried to settle in Sweden, but were forced to relocate here after experiencing problems with their personal safety in Sweden.  The father was running a shop which a gang was threatening to burn down, so they felt they had to move quickly, and as a result, were only able to bring clothing with them.   Just heartbreaking to think of the additional trauma of believing they had found a safe new life, only to be forced to flee once more.


They have found themselves renting privately in Fir Vale. They have 4 daughters under 18, one of whom has special needs, and they are now renting a 2 bedroom house. The house is completely unfurnished – they only have a fridge in the kitchen, no oven or other appliances, and no beds - and after paying rent, they don’t have enough to be able to buy much else. 


The family are applying for Universal Credit, but obviously this takes time, and in the meantime they are reliant on help from others in the community and on donations of food, as they are not eligible for other support.


Our member who nominated the family told us they have used our donation to buy beds and a sofa, along with some school clothes for the children, who are starting school now and had nothing suitable to wear. 


The family have said how very grateful they are for the donation and how it has helped them, particularly the children, to feel more stable and comfortable.  We really do send them all our best wishes for a safe and settled future here in Sheffield.


Thank you to the member who nominated this family and to the local community volunteer  who helped support the family to use our donation to the best effect.  


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