“People who come to the UK to seek refuge and safety should be welcomed in that way, and should be given opportunities to flourish like all of us are able to. It seems to me that one of the best responses to a hostile environment is to offer community, home, a sense of belonging and accompaniment. And we can see this at Amani House; that is the JRS way”
Fr Jim Conway
Four months ago we welcomed our first residents to Amani House. Opening our second house has been an exciting adventure, with much anticipation for how a house for men would evolve. The last four months have been joyous, bonding and gratifying.
We chose to formally celebrate the opening of Amani House together towards the end of May. The hope was that we might enjoy the garden together – but of course, it rained. Instead, supporters, volunteers and staff were welcomed into the beautiful house that has now become home for our refugee friends. The residents generously prepared a delicious buffet spread of dishes from North Africa and South Asia. We cosied up among strangers and friends, exchanging stories, delighting in the food, and enjoying the ease of good company in a bright and charming Victorian town house.
Attendees were gifted both a taste of our refugee friends’ cultures, and a taste of their life together in Amani House.
During the event, Fr Peter SJ, our provinicial, formally opened and blessed the house. He emphasised that:
“Amani House couldn’t be all that it is without the cooperation and support of a lot of other people, as well as the hard work of the ones who are living in it”.
And that could not be more true.
What is unique about JRS UK’s housing is that refugee friends live in housing independently. Our mission of accompaniment drives us to prioritise the agency, capabilities and independence of our refugee friends. Thus, Emilie House and Amani House are rare spaces where our refugee friends can exist without feeling surveilled. They are places to regain independence and confidence. This is made possible by our holistic care model.
Creating a home and a supportive environment requires a focused effort from Accommodation staff and volunteers to bring people together and support them to understand each other. Our calendar of regular house meetings, activities, and shared meals have been the foundation from which a community has grown. From gardening to Jenga or cooking classes, engaging in creative activities together fosters collaboration, self-expression, and social bonding.
“I love that I have my own room and own space. Eating together and doing different activities is also amazing so I feel super comfortable and have things to look forward to. The thing I love most is the community and the sense of similarity between me and those who I also live in Amani house with.”
Resident
As well as a dedicated Accommodation team, our housing model is made possible through the wider, wrap around support provided by JRS UK. Refugee friends can engage with specialist casework and advice, centre-based activities, voluntary opportunities, emotional support, and legal advice – each project aiming to serve our refugee friend’s journey out of destitution.
The success of Amani and Emilie House also hinges on the inherent strengths of the residents and their will to engage positively with one another. Living with other people can present challenges, but these can be overcome through open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to compromise.
“We give each other advice and help and get one another through the hostility of the system. Its been great having this network of support that I can rely upon. We also cook together a lot, share meals together and often come to JRS to volunteer together.”
Resident
Gradually, we are introducing more refugee friends to the Amani House community. Working in this way ensures we can prioritise community building. It also enables our staff team to provide intensive and ongoing inductions for residents, so that they can rebuild their confidence to live independently with others.
“Amani House is my practice and experience for the future so once I get my status I will know how to look after a property well and make sure my livelihood is safe. I am very pleased to have this experience and I am so grateful to JRS for giving me this opportunity and practice for the future.”
Providing independent accommodation also gives someone a space in which they can make their own decisions over how they spend their time, can provide hospitality to others, and engage in plans for the future.
“I felt empowered by Amani House, (having) the agency to control my own life.”
When I was moving around I didn’t have the safety or security to organise my paperwork as I was in someone else’s space and your asylum paperwork is very private and confidential matters regarding your life. Since moving into Amani House I have been working my way through the file and organising into subsections.. It is helping me understand my journey and make sure my application is airtight.”
“…whenever I want to eat, I eat. Whenever I want to sleep, I sleep. When I am hungry I can eat. That’s how I feel being in charge of my own routine.”
Resident
Lastly, building homes together would not be possible without the generosity of donors. They are essential contributors to our housing projects, whom without we could not realise our aspirations. Donors are crucial for community building. Their financial and physical donations have ensured that Amani House could become a home for many people, for years to come.
The JRS UK Accommodation team also run a refugee hosting scheme. To find out more, visit:
