Ethnic minorities are under-represented in a "biased" housing system
Shelter Scotland is set to launch an anti-racism in housing network at an event hosted in Wheatley House next month.
The network of housing professionals, community groups and representative bodies will offer a forum for discussion, with the aim of building capacity for anti-racist change and learning in the sector.
Attendees at the launch will hear from representatives of the Poverty Alliance and Romano Lav, a community-based organisation working in Govanhill with the local migrant Roma communities.
There will also been a speech from Dr Idil Akinci-Pérez, lecturer in Social Policy and Race at the University of Edinburgh.
The network’s first meeting will take place 13th November, in person at Wheatley House in Glasgow and registration is open now.
Shelter Scotland director, Alison Watson, said: “There’s a growing acceptance that Scotland’s housing system is broken, but what’s unfortunately less often discussed is how biased it is as well.
“We know that people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately represented at the sharp end of the housing emergency and that far too often the sector fails to meet their needs; in the worst cases racism has forced people from their homes.
“Everyone working in the housing sector has a responsibility to challenge and change that reality; that means embedding an anti-racist approach into our response to the housing emergency. I hope this launch will be a significant first step on that collective journey.”
Wheatley Group chief executive, Steven Henderson, said: "At Wheatley Group, we are committed to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities for all our tenants.
“By providing support and resources, we can ensure everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background. Working together with partners, we can build stronger, more cohesive communities where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“We’re delighted to support Shelter Scotland by hosting the first meeting of the housing network and discuss what more can be done to support tenants in communities across Scotland.”
