More than 2,000 people in the East of England are looking for a new home after receiving a positive decision on their asylum claim.
The East of England Local Government Association’s Strategic Migration Partnership (EELGA SMP) says councils are facing increased pressure to source accommodation for refugees after more than 2,000 people were granted the right to remain in the UK since September last year.
It has meant many refugees are presenting themselves to local councils at risk of homelessness.
Louise Gooch, Projects Manager at the SMP, said: “After fleeing war or persecution, and a long journey on the asylum seeker pathway, they are now looking for somewhere to live to rebuild their lives here in the UK.
“This could be somewhere on a temporary basis, to give them time to set up a national insurance number and bank account so they can start their journey to integration through learning the language and finding work.
“Unfortunately, many are now at risk of homelessness and need support to get on their feet.”
Louise said the SMP were grateful for the support of the many charities and community organisations helping to find people temporary accommodation.
Charities such as Home – Hope at Home – A Hosting Scheme for Survivors of Slavery, Room for Refugees and Homepage – Refugees at Home, help link up refugees looking for a home with members of the public with spare rooms for refugees to stay while they find their feet.
Hope at Home focuses on helping victims of slavery or exploitation.
One refugee supported by the charity was Nya, who is using a pseudonym, who was given just seven days to leave her asylum accommodation when granted leave to remain in the UK.
Nya was initially afraid of living with a man because of past experiences, but through the scheme in a matter of days felt like one of the family.
A spokesperson for Hope at Home said: “The hosts were very understanding and the male host, who is a gentle soul, explained no one had ever been scared of him so this came to him as a shock.
“In the end of placement survey, Nya expressed how wonderful both her hosts were and that she said how lovely the male host was with her, helping to start healing her past experiences with men.”
Louise added: “Charities and organisations like Hope at Home, and the many others across the UK, do amazing work in supporting people with spare rooms to welcome a refugee, helping to relieve some of the pressures on councils.
“I would encourage anyone who has a spare room who could let a refugee use it for a few short weeks to get in touch with one of these charities to find out more. You will be making a huge difference to a new refugee by giving that person the chance to start a fulfilling and productive life in the region.”
For more on EELGA SMP see www.smp.eelga.gov.uk