What is it like to host a refugee in your house?
Charities are sharing their experience of hosting refugees in their spare rooms
Last updated 29th May 2022
Charity leaders are sharing their experience of what it’s like to host a refugee in your home.
It's as Boris Johnson has announced 100,000 people have registered on the Government's website, as part of its Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Kate Bowen is a trustee of the charity Sanctuary Hosting, working across the Thames Valley, and is an experienced host.
She has been hosting refugees in her home since 2015, and has hosted roughly 15 people so far.
What is it like?
Kate acknowledges that some people may have reservations about hosting, and says “It’s not always easy, it’s not for everyone having a stranger in the house.
“But from our experience I would embrace it. You actually gain a lot from being generous to somebody else.
"While we don't press them ever about the experiences they've been through, we do show curiosity about their countries and their favourite food, and what their country looks like. Many, while they've had had a terrible experience in their own country, are very proud."
Who does it help?
By providing temporary accommodation to refugees, Kate explains, you can help people who are in vulnerable situations.
“We’ve hosted people who were sleeping in wheelie bins. We’ve hosted people who were sleeping on park benches. And just to be able to access a safe room and food means a great deal to them.”
The government has opened a scheme this week which allows people to sign up to host Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict in their spare rooms.
Should I sign up?
Kate shared some expert advice for people considering taking a Ukrainian refugee or family into their home, suggesting
“I would urge people to think hard about it, to think carefully about it - make plans and make house rules. But if they think they’ve thought everything through then go for it.”
You can find out more about Sanctuary Hosting here.
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