Saurabh's Story

Saurabh started volunteering for four hours a week in July 2023 on the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, funded by the Scottish Government and hosted by Shelter Scotland. The aim of the project is to encourage Scotland’s approximately 43,000 privately-owned long-term empty homes back into use.

While Saurabh says he is fortunate that he has no experience of bad housing or homelessness himself, he has witnessed the impact it has had in his home country. Originally from Mumbai in India, which Saurabh says, has the most expensive real estate in India.

Growing up in my city, I’ve always seen homelessness, people living in slums or on the street.

He says that many people in India have an idea about what life is like in the UK which contrasts with the reality of life for so many struggling with bad housing or homelessness.

People think everyone is rich [in the UK]; everyone is making good money and has houses and cars. But that’s not the case. People are struggling with homelessness here as well.

Saurabh was keen to volunteer with Shelter when he arrived in Scotland as it combined his interests and passions, enabling him to contribute to tackling the housing emergency.

Real estate and technology are two things I am very enthusiastic about.

Saurabh is keen to further understand the housing situation in Scotland. Especially why so many privately-owned homes remain empty for so long when there are so many in desperate need of a home. He is interested in how housing is viewed by some as a financial investment while simultaneously being a fundamental need for everyone.

Home is the most basic necessity one can expect.

Saurabh recently handed in his dissertation for his master's in project management having previously worked in IT as a Business Analyst in India. He wanted to volunteer in a role completely different to his work and studies.

He has volunteered previously in India as an Android Developer and loves his current volunteering role at Shelter Scotland. He has enjoyed learning more about different social media platforms as part of his role as well as the vital role that Shelter Scotland plays in helping to tackle the housing crisis in Scotland.

Volunteering is essential, it gives me peace of mind. It [also] gives me a feeling of accomplishment, I’m very thankful to Shelter.

Saurabh is passionate about volunteering and the benefits it provides, and he recommends it to others.

People should consider volunteering because they get to know more people, make new connections and friends.