Kathryn, a retired GP, and Hugh, a retired solicitor, live in Hastings. When their children moved out, they didn’t want the spare rooms to go to waste so they decided to open their house to people fleeing violence and persecution.

Kathryn said: “Hugh’s mother worked with Ukrainian refugees after the war. Both his parents were Quakers. They worked with German Jews; they worked with prisoners of war, so it’s a tradition in their family. They’ve always had a house full of people, as have we.”

One of the couple’s most memorable guests was Daniel, originally from Eritrea, who found work and a place of his own within four days of staying with them. They’ve kept in touch, helped him and his wife and three children get settled, and were overjoyed to join him at his citizenship ceremony.

Hugh said: “I think if you don’t have somewhere to live, all those other things that you have to do to get your life straight become 10 times harder. Hastings is very welcoming to refugees. It’s a community of sanctuary.”

By supporting our Crowdfunder appeal, you can help us match even more guests like Daniel with hosts across the UK, ensuring they don’t have to spend winter sleeping rough.