In Memory of Viki Fox

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a valued member of our Board of Trustees and great friend Viki Fox.

Viki’s passion and commitment to Crisis’ mission was unmistakable. Drawing on her own lived experience of homelessness, Viki brought a vital and fresh perspective to the Board, continually challenging us to ensure that the voices of those affected by homelessness shape all that we do. She was instrumental in bringing lived experience voices to the heart of our decision-making and a proud supporter of our Lived Experience Advisory Board.

She was also a dedicated campaigner, supporting our first campaign in Scotland, and played a key role as change lead for the All in for Change Team, a sub-group of the Scottish Government’s Homelessness Prevention Strategy Group.

We alongside many others will miss her greatly.

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said:

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Viki Fox.

“Viki was an extraordinary person. She first encountered Crisis as one of our members, after being forced into homelessness. But even after she left her own homelessness behind, Viki continued to work tirelessly – with determination and kindness – to stop other people going through the experiences she had, both as a support worker and as an advocate for change.

“Through her role at Cyrenians, Viki worked every day to transform lives, helping people out of homelessness with expertise and compassion. The impact she had on communities around Edinburgh will be felt for a long time into the future.

“As a Crisis Board member, Viki directed her energy into helping us achieve the big, structural changes needed to bring us closer to ending homelessness in Scotland and across Britain, while continuing to support the organisation and our frontline services in every way she could find.

“Those of us in the homelessness sector who were lucky enough to meet and work with Viki are feeling this loss, but also feeling gratitude for the impact she had on our lives. We will miss her greatly."

Tristia Harrison, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Crisis, said:

“Viki was a hugely valued friend and adviser to Crisis. She was passionate in her conviction that lived experience of homelessness must inform and guide everything we do. Through her role on the Board of Trustees, Viki shaped Crisis for the better and championed and led our Lived Experience Advisory Board.

“Viki played a pivotal role in our campaign to end the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation in Scotland and in advocating for homelessness prevention to be at the heart of the nation’s strategy and approach to ending homelessness.

“Viki truly was a remarkable person. Her loss will be felt keenly by all of us on the Board who had the opportunity and privilege of working with her closely. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”