ABOUT US

Our vision is a society where homelessness is eradicated and people are integrated within their local community.

AHAG works towards reducing the impact that homelessness and insecure housing has on both the individual and the wider community. This is achieved through supporting people to access safe, affordable housing, address any underlying issues and to motivate them towards independent living.

History of Aylesbury Homeless Action Group (AHAG)

AHAG was initially set up as an action group to lobby and raise awareness of homelessness within Aylesbury. Since then the charity has grown and evolved to become a service provider within the local community. AHAG is proud of the history and roots of the charity and how the ‘spirit’ of the original action group continues today.

Our services have grown and developed over the years. We have continued to learn and evaluate our service, through both the opportunities and the mistakes that we have made on the way. Through listening to the client’s voice, funding and a clear strategy, we have continued to ensure that our client’s needs are at the heart of everything that we do.

AHAG continues to provide advice and support to any person facing a housing crisis. We work in close partnership with Wycombe Homeless Connection and other key partners within Buckinghamshire.

We are so grateful for all the people who have supported AHAG over the years.

Paul Walter: Treasurer

Paul was appointed as Treasurer of AHAG in 2009 having held similar positions with various charities and voluntary organisations in the local area. In his professional life, with qualifications in Engineering and Business he was a Managing Director for an International Electronics company and spent 28 years dealing with finance and business strategy. He is currently Treasurer and Trustee for two other local charities.

Angel Strachan

I joined AHAG in 2022, because as an Aylesbury resident who had personal experience of insecure housing, and familial ties to rough sleeping and homelessness, I wanted to help make a change. AHAG not only provides direct support but also champions the under-heard of our community.

My professional background is running political campaigns for several leading UK charities. My passion is to help organisations use their data, evidence and personal stories to reshape the social landscape we live in – AHAG has a wealth of all these things. I have a mission to bring decision-makers on side, helping them to understand not only the human impact of injustice, but work together on solutions.

I joined AHAG at a time where people in our town are struggling with rising rents, insecure tenancies and hidden homelessness. As charities, we continue to feel the financial strain while demand increases. As a trustee I wanted to help ensure that this charity keeps providing the vital care that people need, so that homelessness can be rare, brief and non-recurring.

Tim Dixon

I’m a local Aylesbury resident and serve as a councillor, but it’s really my passion for supporting people through welfare services that drives my involvement with AHAG. I’ve worked as a welfare advisor for over 20 years, assisting individuals with a range of issues, from accommodation to financial concerns.

I’ve also had the honour of serving as Mayor of Aylesbury, during which I helped raise £57,000 and 57 tonnes of additional money and food for Aylesbury Foodbank.

Michelina Gurie

I’m counsellor and therapist with a wealth of experience working exclusively within the statutory and charity sector. I believe in providing person lead, trauma informed care in all aspects of my professional and volunteering worlds. I offer my time as a trustee to support AHAGs vital grassroots work.
My previous involvement with the Rough Sleeper Initiative provided a deep insight into the impact homelessness and insecure housing has on individuals as well as the wider community and supporting services.

Jonny Patel

I’m Jonny, a trustee of Aylesbury Homeless Action Group, as well as a volunteer. I work with the other trustees to ensure that AHAG can continue its vital work in the community—providing support, advocacy, and practical help to those facing homelessness.

My decision to get involved comes from personal experience. Having faced the challenges of homelessness myself, I understand how isolating and overwhelming it can be. I wanted to give back and contribute to the incredible work AHAG does in making a real difference for people in need.

Most of my working life has been in customer service and sales, and I am currently part of a sales team offering outsourced workforce solutions. I’ve also had the opportunity to live overseas, which has given me valuable insight into how different communities and cultures approach support, resilience, and personal growth.

Why did I join AHAG? Simple—I believe everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and feel valued. Homelessness is often misunderstood, and the people affected can be overlooked. The AHAG team is dedicated to offering not just practical help, but also compassion and respect, and I’m proud to be part of that mission.