Quaker Social Action is delighted to confirm that our planned merger with Quaker Homeless Action has now taken place.
With effect from 1 December, 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 have enjoyed meeting many of them through the various listening exercises which we have facilitated in recent weeks 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
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. Our management council (board of trustees) will be considering ideas in December.
What about the mobile library?
This is a longstanding and successful initiative which we plan to continue, subject to Covid-19 risk assessments.
What about Quaker Open Christmas?
It is unfeasible for QSA to plan a Christmas shelter activity in a matter of weeks, therefore Quaker Open Christmas will not be taking place in 2020.
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 will still be called Quaker Social Action, but it will incorporate QHA’s charitable objectives.
I am an individual supporter of QHA, what should I do?
QHA still exists as a legal entity controlled by QSA, and shortly QSA will write to QHA’s supporters to ask them whether or not they would like to transfer their support to QSA. If you give regularly to QHA through a standing order or other form of regular giving and do not wish to continue with this, simply cancel your standing order or other regular payment method.
My Quaker meeting usually collects donations for QHA prior to Christmas – 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. (However the QHA bank account will remain open for some time so QSA will still be able to collect donations made out to QHA.)
I have things I would like to donate to homeless people - where can I donate?
Glassdoor has a list of bulk items they need on their website - mail or delivery to their London office. Alternatively 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.