Hospitality

'at-Home' Accommodation Scheme
JRS accompanies forced migrants from around the world. Some seek sanctuary in the UK and so enter the asylum process. During the process, basic statutory support and accommodation is offered, usually outside of London.  If the asylum application is turned down, all support including accommodation is withdrawn.  Although refused refuge, many individuals and families remain.

Refused asylum seekers may become utterly destitute. They have no recourse to public funds, are not allowed to work and are denied access to statutory homeless services. Despite their forced destitution and strict surveillance by the United Kingdom Border Agency (most refused asylum seekers must report weekly or fortnightly at an Immigration Reporting Centre or are tagged), many are too frightened to return to their country of origin or cannot be returned because the country concerned will not issue a travel document. In some countries where the State has collapsed a return becomes impossible.

 
‘at-Home’ is the name given to the JRS hosting scheme which we are piloting from September 2011. Through it we aim to match individuals, families and religious communities that can offer short-term accommodation in their households or communities to destitute asylum seekers in need of respite.

We recognise that it may feel daunting to open your home or community to a person you do not know and who comes from a very different background and culture. However, with support the experience can be rich and rewarding. To make it so, we have researched existing schemes to gather good practice, and developed a procedure that provides support to both Host and Guest at every stage. A handbook provides useful and clear information about every step of the process.  JRS-UK will review any applications, meet with potential hosts according eligibility criteria and facilitate the agreement.

Father James Conway has more information if you are interested to learn more.