Thinking of offering your spare room to a refugee?
Mar 16, 2022
We have a long history of helping others in their hour of need and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme offers a lifeline to those forced to flee their homes. Here is a news roundup of what to do if you’re thinking of offering your Chiswick property to support Ukrainians fleeing war. Here's how the scheme works and how to register
FAQs: Can I offer my spare room? Will I be paid rent? Will I be expected to provide meals? What checks will be conducted on refugees/sponsors?
The Ukraine Family Scheme allows applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK. If you have a Ukrainian family member, check if the Scheme applies to you. Find out more:
APPLICATIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE ON BEHALF OF CHARITIES
Since 2015, UK charity Refugees at Home has connected those with a spare room to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay. To date, the charity has found homes for over 2,600 people from 65 over different countries and has a wealth of practical experience.
FAQs: Should I have house rules? What happens if it all goes wrong? Might hosting affect my house insurance? If I decide not to host, how else can I help?
Members of the public can nominate a Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them for at least six months. Sponsored Ukrainians will be granted three years’ leave to remain in the UK, and will be able to work, claim benefits and access public services during this period.
In Addition, The British Red Cross has been supporting people by reaching them with supplies, shelter and medical care in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.
NEWS ARTICLES
BBC Homes for Ukraine: The foster families who have taken in refugees. Some of those who have provided a home to refugees in the past are concerned about whether those arriving will get the support they need.
MSN Initial reticence to accept any refugees fleeing Ukraine on the part of the government has morphed into a sudden welcome. As 100,000 people sign up to sponsor Ukrainian refugees in just one day, is the government washing its hands of the refugee crisis?
LOCAL RESPONSE
Action West London provides employment support, benefits and housing advice, language support etc. The service is available to candidates with a refugee status or spouses of refugees (family reunion visa) residing in west London. Contact: Maria.lima@actionwestlondon.org.uk or ana.andronic@actionwestlondon.org.uk
