Earlier this year, JRS published comprehensive research on the painful and sad reality of refugees in Britain. “Destitute and in Danger” focuses on the experience of homelessness among people refused asylum in London but reflects the situation for many in our country. This report raises important questions pertaining to the reality of our society in the 21st century.
Now, at the beginning of the Advent season, and as temperatures continue to drop, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of offering a safe and warm place to stay for people on the move.
Some of the realities outlined in the report are those of rough sleeping, couch surfing, lack of choice in possible accommodation, and long term experience of destitution. It details how people are left completely destitute, banned from working, and dependent entirely for survival on informal support from friends, family, and the goodwill of charitable institutions and individuals in the community. Added to which their “undocumented” status leaves them more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
As a community of women religious, we have hosted refugee women for over nine years with JRS UK’s At Home hosting scheme. We have the privilege of direct contact with women who have experienced/are experiencing these realities and many more outlined in the report.
This is a vital moment to walk alongside people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
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.
In the light of our experience as a hosting community, we know that a lack of accommodation is a great challenge for many asylum seekers. The hosting scheme organised by JRS UK is a wonderful opportunity for people seeking sanctuary to receive secure, friendly accommodation in a family or with a religious congregation. We consider it a privilege to have this opportunity of sharing our home with these women, trying our best to offer the “warm human welcome” that Pope Francis speaks of.
Each guest makes her own unique contribution to our lives. We learn a lot and get real insights into the experience of so many who find themselves in a foreign country, with few friends and totally destitute. Each one carries within her traumatic experiences which have led her to come here in search of peace, healing, and human dignity. Given the opportunity, each one can make a positive contribution to society. We marvel at their ability to survive and often say to ourselves that we would find it almost impossible to walk in their shoes for one day let alone one week. For those who experience several months in a friendly, safe environment, there is the possibility to regain their sense of self-worth and confidence, to value their own giftedness, and move towards healing.
Hosting enables us to keep in touch with people “on the move”. It opens us to the pain and struggle of people we wouldn’t, normally, be living closely with, and it relativises our own struggles. This Advent, as the weather gets colder, the strength of refugee friends in the face of the challenges they encounter is an inspiration to us, and invites us to grow in openness, compassion, and hospitality, giving us the opportunity to make a difference, and in a small way go counter cultural to the separation, discrimination, hostility, and injustice that is prevalent in society today.
Sr. Margaret Muldoon – Holy Family of Bordeaux
Will you help refugees find somewhere safe and warm to stay this Winter?
