Quaker Social Action is delighted to confirm that our planned merger with Quaker Homeless Action took place on 1 December 2020.
QHA has joined us and we are privileged to take on responsibility for advancing QHA’s mission to offer fellowship, practical assistance to and a voice for homeless and marginalised people in Britain. We do so with humility, with great respect for what QHA achieved over the past half century, and with gratitude to QHA’s outgoing trustees for their part in a smooth and collaborative handover.
QSA has particular appreciation for the many volunteers and supporters who have made QHA’s work possible and whom we hope will remain involved as we move forward. We enjoyed meeting many of them through the various listening exercises which we facilitated in late 2020 to inform the development of our new homelessness services. You can listen back to a recording of one of these sessions here. The passion and dedication of volunteers and supporters has come across very clearly, and we look forward to continuing this dialogue.
Frequently asked questions - updated 9 July 2021
Did the merger happen as a result of Covid-19?
No, the two organisations had been discussing the merger for a year, so before the pandemic.
What has happened to QHA’s trustees/directors?
QHA’s former board of trustees/directors disbanded at the point of the merger.
What about QHA’s staff?
QHA did not have any staff, so none were transferred. QSA will consider staffing needs in due course.
What about QHA’s funds?
QHA’s net assets were transferred to QSA at the point of the merger; the transferred funds are restricted for use in accordance with QHA's former charitable objectives.
What homelessness services will be delivered by QSA?
QSA is working on plans in light of the research and listening exercise we’ve been carrying out. We have started a pilot project, Cook Up, in Islington - this is a way for people without access to a kitchen to prepare their own meals in a safe and supported environment..
What about the mobile library?
This is a longstanding and successful initiative which we will soon be relaunching as Turn a Corner.
What about Quaker Open Christmas?
It was unfeasible for QSA to plan a Christmas shelter activity in a matter of weeks, therefore Quaker Open Christmas did not take place in 2020. However we provided a grant towards the work of the Covid-19 Homeless Taskforce across London.
After careful consideration and discernment, QSA has decided not to run a winter shelter in 2021, and has no plans to do so in the future.
Will the merger have any effect on QSA’s existing projects and services?
No, there are no plans to change QSA’s projects and services as a result of the merger.
Will QSA change its name?
No, QSA is still called Quaker Social Action, but has incorporated QHA’s charitable objectives.
I used to support QHA as an individual, what should I do?
QHA still exists as a legal entity controlled by QSA, and QSA wrote to QHA’s recent and regular supporters to ask them whether or not they would like to transfer their support to QSA. If you are a recent or regular supporter of QHA and have not heard from QSA, please contact us on fandc@qsa.org.uk or 020 8983 5059.
My Quaker meeting used to collect donations for QHA – what should we do?
From now on, Quaker meetings wishing to support homelessness work should send donations to QSA, specifying that the donation is for homelessness work if this is the case.
My donation to QHA's Triodos bank account has not been processed - what should I do?
QHA's Triodos account was closed in June 2021. We informed all QHA supporters whom we were able to contact, but not all were contactable. If you would like to transfer your support to QSA, please contact us on fandc@qsa.org.uk or 020 8983 5059.
I have things I would like to donate to homeless people - where can I donate?
Your local homeless charity may need specific items.
If you have food, toiletries or hygiene products to donate, you could consider donating to a food bank. The Trussell Trust has information about donating to a local foodbank here.
ShowerBox (London) is looking for donations of toiletries and clothes. If you would like to donate items, please scroll down to the ‘Contact Showerbox’ box on their website.