At Home Scheme

This is a vital moment to walk alongside people seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Over the years we have seen a significant/marked rise in destitution and homelessness amongst refugees and asylum seekers due to government policies. In response, JRS UK set up the ‘At Home’ hosting scheme as one of many ways in which it stands in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers, offering much needed support.

Hosting with JRS UK is a tangible, fulfilling and practical way to stand in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers.

Through the At Home scheme, JRS UK coordinates and offers short-term placements for refugees, providing shelter, safety and stability at an otherwise difficult and uncertain time.

Our inspirational hosts welcome into their homes individuals who came to the UK in search of safety: providing shelter, treating them with dignity and care, and celebrating the gifts they bring.

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Why is there a need for hosting?

One of the greatest challenges faced by refugees accompanied by JRS UK is a lack of shelter. The security of a home provides respite and stability to refugee friends forced into destitution and homelessness.

Hosting a refugee removes that person from unsafe sleeping arrangements and environments and therefore, the risk of abuse and exploitation. Hosting also offers refugee friends the  stability needed  to pursue plans to move forward with their lives and restore their identities. Hosting can be a truly transformative and dignifying experience.

What support is provided through the scheme?

Opening your home and community to welcome a stranger can be a daunting prospect. For this reason, the ‘At Home’ scheme is designed to prepare hosts and guests in advance of the hosting placement, with support delivered by a dedicated Team. The support is tailored and continues throughout and beyond the placement.

The arrival and departure of your refugee guest is coordinated by a JRS staff. Each refugee guest is offered    a range of support from our wider service provision throughout the placement. This includes activities, practical and financial support, and specialist advice. The JRS Accommodation Team are available throughout the placement to discuss any concerns that a host or guest may have and will arrange regular check-in meetings too. There are also regular meetings held for hosting communities, which are a valuable source of peer support and connection.

The relationship between the host – be it an individual, family, parish or community – and the guest is at the heart of ‘At Home’. We put people at the centre of our work, and therefore take time to find suitable matches for those in need. Every placement is unique!

Ready to get involved?

If you would like to host one of our refugee friends, and you live in the Greater London area, you can:

• email us at uk@jrs.net
• give us a call on 020 7488 7310
• Apply now

Outside London?

Contact us for information on other hosting schemes operating in your area or check out these other outstanding providers.