The impact of hosting
I had a project in my class about social change, which I did on Refugee at Home because the organisation is so close to my heart and I have never seen anything more effective.
Many of our guests come to us on the verge of homelessness – some have already spent time sleeping on the streets. They might have jumped from sofa to sofa, never sure where they’d be staying next. The majority of our guests have been staying in low quality asylum accommodation, often sharing a room with a stranger. Staying with a host might be the first time they’ve been in an ordinary home in some years.
By hosting with us, your guests will have a safe, stable, and warm space to rest and focus on what comes next.
While simply providing a room is enough, it’s common for hosts to want to offer additional support, such as learning English, helping to navigate the bureaucracy of the immigration and asylum system, and preparing for job interviews. There is no expectation from us that you will do more than provide a room; if you feel there’s some support your guest requires or is missing, please speak to your Placement Coordinator.
%
of hosts felt that hosting allows them to support their guests in a more practical way
I will forever be grateful to Refugees at Home for the support i received in those what could’ve been a difficult time. It’s been almost two months and I have completed a course and I was also able to find a full-time job at a well known restaurant.
%
of guests felt safe in their placement
%
felt independent/had privacy in their placement
Often our hosts tell us they also get something out of having a guest to stay. Hosting might start a lifelong friendship (though it’s fine if it doesn’t!) and you’re likely to learn about new cultures, foods, history and hobbies. It can also help you, your family, and friends understand more about the experiences of those coming to the UK for a better life, and the challenges they face.
I think it’s amazing that my kids are going to know about the wider world. They also went to church for an event at Christmas time. The priest asked, ‘does anyone know anything about refugees?’ and my son’s hand shot straight up and he’s only seven. It was heartwarming that he knew and was able to talk about it so confidently, it makes me proud.