Refugees at Home (Charity number 1177765) is a UK-based independent nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing temporary accommodation to refugees and asylum seekers through a network of volunteer hosts with spare rooms in their homes. Established in 2015 in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the charity has grown to become the largest independent hosting organisation of its kind in the UK[4][2].

History and Background

Refugees at Home was founded by Timothy Nathan, Nina Kaye, and Sara Nathan as a humanitarian initiative to address the critical need for safe, temporary housing for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing war and persecution. The charity was born out of the conviction that no person seeking sanctuary in the UK should face homelessness or destitution.

Since inception, the charity has facilitated thousands of placements, connecting more than 6,500 guests from over 75 countries with volunteer hosts offering spare rooms[2]. By the end of 2022, it had arranged accommodation for over 4,000 refugees and asylum seekers[4].

Mission and Vision

The organisation's vision is for every refugee and asylum seeker to have access to a safe place to stay. Its mission focuses on supporting a society where those facing homelessness or destitution have the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.

Refugees at Home aims to:

• Prevent and relieve poverty among refugees, asylum seekers, and their dependants in the UK.

• Facilitate the provision of accommodation through volunteer hosts.

• Provide financial and practical assistance as necessary[5].

Activities and Approach

Refugees at Home operates by recruiting and supporting volunteer hosts across the UK who offer spare rooms in their homes to refugees and asylum seekers needing temporary accommodation. The charity employs professionally qualified volunteer home visitors who conduct assessments of potential hosts and their homes to ensure safety and suitability.

A key component of the charity’s work is carefully matching hosts with guests to foster successful and supportive stays. The organisation provides ongoing support to hosts throughout the hosting period, advising on arrangements and accommodation needs[4][2].

Refugees at Home collaborates closely with partner organisations such as the British Red Cross, Refugee Council, Refugee Action, Crisis, and NACCOM, which help refer guests in need of accommodation. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the charity became one of the UK Government's 'Recognised Providers' involved in the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme[4].

Governance and Leadership

The charity is led by Executive Director Lauren Scott, who was awarded an MBE in 2022 for her contributions to refugee support. The board is chaired by Daniel Gerring, a partner at the law firm Travers Smith, which provides ongoing legal support. Patrons include Lord Alf Dubs and comedian Shappi Khorsandi. Refugees at Home employs approximately 20 staff members and relies heavily on a large network of volunteers[4].

Values

Refugees at Home operates with core values of collaboration, professionalism, respect, and empowerment. These principles guide its work with both hosts and guests, ensuring a compassionate and ethical approach to supporting those in need[2].

Refugees at Home stands as a vital organisation addressing the intersection of homelessness and forced migration in the UK by mobilising community goodwill into practical, life-changing support for refugees and asylum seekers.

[1] https://refugeesathome.org [2] https://refugeesathome.org/about-us/ [3] https://www.instagram.com/refugeesathome/ [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refugees_at_Home [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5092794