In this edition of Together, we are honoured to share with you the experiences of three friends who have been guests of the Accommodation Project – Ditoma*, Sofia, and Dean. Their words are powerful, demonstrating how stable accommodation can give space to engage with the complexities of the asylum system. After years of legal limbo, both Sofia and Dean now have refugee status. We are immensely grateful to all three of our friends for sharing their stories with us.
Alongside their accounts, Laurence, our Accommodation Officer, shares a poignant reflection on how our hosting and housing provision supports refugee friends to regain confidence, feel part of a community, and integrate into society. This year alone, JRS UK has provided almost 4,000 nights of safe accommodation. Any support you can give to this year’s Advent Appeal will help us to continue this vital work.
Also in this edition, we share a letter to our sisters and brothers in Lebanon and Syria, and reflections from Loddan, Communications and Events Assistant, on what ‘real giving’ means. You can also read about our new JRS UK Music Group, who are performing at this year’s Advent Service – to which you are invited! See the back cover for more details.
Thank you for walking with us in 2024. Just as we remember Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay, I hope you’ll keep our refugee friends in your prayers this Advent.
"Now that I have a space of my own, I can control my time. I have started to feel like I can build myself up again, like there is a light in my life"
Ditoma, JRS UK Refugee Friend
Take a peek inside...
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A letter to JRS MENA
Page 2
“A friend loves at all times, and a sister or brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
From our kitchen to yours!
Page 3
Ntela shares her recipe for a firm JRS favourite – Puff Puff.
Serving suggestion: Puff Puff is delicious on its own or dusted with powdered sugar for a sweeter treat. To make it extra indulgent, you can serve it with honey or chocolate dipping sauce!
Sofia and Dean's stories
Pages 4-5
Sofia and Dean are two refugee friends who have been guests of the Accommodation Project. Now they have status, they share their reflections on the experience and impact of being hosted and given a warm welcome.
Respite and stability
Pages 6-7
The JRS UK Accommodation Project includes both hosting (the At Home hosting scheme) and housing (providing longer term accommodation in our two beautiful Victorian houses, Emilie and Amani Houses).
What is real giving?
Page 7
As we move towards Christmas, we’re making arrangements to continue support for refugee friends. It’s also an opportunity to look back at the past year and the impact your giving has. Real giving can transform lives and sustain hope.
Music: A place to connect
Pages 10-11
“Music healed me during one of the hardest periods of my life. It gave me a space away from everything. Now, seeing the same joy and relief it brings to others – it’s incredibly rewarding.”
You're invited...
