OUR GUESTS
Sanctuary Hosting supports people who are homeless and cannot return to their home countries.
For our guests who are seeking asylum, getting Home Office accommodation can take time. Hosting can be the ideal stop-gap.
While those people granted refugee status can access services welfare benefits and local authority support, there are difficulties finding private housing because of high rents and big deposits. Hosting gives time to find work and save up, so people can find their own place.
Vulnerable migrants may have applied to the Home Office for leave to remain but are not able to get public funds. Homeless migrants in the UK are often left with little or no support … so hosting can be a lifeline while their applications go through.
GUEST ELIGIBILITY
Our guests:
- Are either homeless or about to be homeless in the Thames Valley Area (we consider referrals from outside the Thames Valley in exceptional circumstances but require the applicant to travel to the area for an interview)
- Are from another country and with a strong reason (other than economic) for not wanting to go back there
- Are actively working to resolve their immigration status
- Are 18 or over (we don’t house children)
- Do not have alcohol or drug problem
- Do not have a criminal conviction (immigration offences are not included)
- Have no history of violence
- Do not have a serious mental health condition
- Are willing to accept any reasonable accommodation that is offered to them, including Home Office accommodation
- Are honest about any health symptoms to allow for a risk assessment.
