Community is a Superpower: Reflections from Our Hosts and Resident Landlords this Refugee Week
June 17, 2025
For Refugee Week 2025, we’re celebrating the theme “Community as a Superpower” by sharing stories and quotes from people who have opened their homes through our Hosting and Refugee Lodgings projects. Their experiences show how simple acts of welcome can become powerful forces for change, connection and hope, truly embodying the theme “Community as a Superpower”.
Finding Ways to Help
For Anna, the journey into Refugee Lodgings began with a flyer from Housing Justice. “I had been looking for ways to support refugees,” she says. “Previously I’d been a NightStop host, which was great, but quite short term. With the Housing Justice scheme, guests stay for up to six months. That longer-term support really appealed to me.”
For others, like Aiden, it was a mix of global awareness and wanting to help people. “I was inspired in part by the feeling that I had no power to make any meaningful difference to the refugee crisis,” he explains. “And also by recognising I had the privilege of a spare, unused room during a housing crisis. Being able to make a small difference is better than just moaning to my friends about government and society inaction.”
Denise and Carol were drawn to the scheme after retirement, having spent much of their professional lives working with refugees. “We heard about Housing Justice in 2017 and decided to get involved. Since then, we’ve hosted six people.”
Mel and Justyn added: “We wanted to rent a room for a good cause and were referred to Housing Justice. We found Jenna and Joe’s advice extremely helpful and their approach was professional and caring. They guided us smoothly through the process so that we felt comfortable and confident in choosing to be host/resident landlord/lady.”
Surprises and Lessons
Those who have welcomed someone into their home speak of surprises – not of the challenges – but of connection, the ease of the process, and the richness it brings to daily life.
“What surprised me was how easy Housing Justice make the process,” says Anna. “They provide good training for both host and refugee and ensure a good introduction at the start.”
Aiden found himself learning about the systemic injustices many of his guests had faced. “Three out of five of my guests had recognised status and valuable contributions to UK society taken away by the state. It was a real eye-opener.”
For Denise and Carol, hosting has been deeply enriching. “Living with guests has provided us with an opportunity to learn and grow. Some have passed relatively quickly through our lives. Others have become close friends. Our very first guest is now a proud mum, and we’ve met her beautiful little girl. Our current guest has been with us for six years and has recently been reunited with her son and we are pleased to be able to host both of them.”
Mel and Justyn said: “It was such an easy process. We were supported every step of the way.”
Food, Friendship, and the Power of Community
Many people who welcome someone into their home reflect on the everyday joys of living with someone from a different culture, especially when it comes to food. “They love to cook and enjoy food,” says Anna. “I love cooking too, so it’s created a healthy appreciation of different styles. My friends have benefited too, especially when they come by and find something delicious on offer!”
Aiden jokes that he now knows more global cuisine than curry and paella. “Chicken gizzards – okay. Bula…” maybe not so much!
But beyond the meals and conversations lies something deeper: a reawakening of what community really means. “We’ve lost a sense of community in modern society,” Anna reflects. “What I have appreciated is my network of friends and church supporting my lodgers with work opportunities, ideas and joining in conversations where we can make connections that support refugees.” Denise and Carol agree: “What matters most is offering a welcoming and safe space to those who need a helping hand. As Pope Francis says, ‘A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.’”
A Superpower We All Have
Each person’s story in the Hosting and Refugee Lodgings project reminds us that community is not just about geography, it’s about action, compassion, and shared humanity.
“I wish people understood that refugees are like you and me,” says Anna. “They’ve risked a lot to find a better life free from conflict and discrimination. Most are hardworking and want to contribute.”
Aiden echoes this sentiment: “homeless migrants all want to be regarded as part of UK society, they want to contribute positively within the community and be economically active. Providing a room may not be feasible for everyone but practical support can take so many forms that everyone who wants to show their support for some of our most vulnerable “neighbours” should have a chance to do so.”
Mel and Justyn added: “Yes, they are lovely people who appreciate the room. Also I’ve found them to be ambitious and wanting to improve their English and gain skills to improve themselves.”
What We’ve Gained
The personal impact of hosting is often just as profound for the hosts as it is for the guests.
“It’s given me insight into the personal stories of being a refugee – not just what the media tell us,” says Anna. “It’s challenged my thinking about some of the current world conflicts.”
Aiden adds, “I have gained a much better understanding of geopolitical issues and the workings of our own UK state. I also feel in a small way I have been able to support an appropriate individual response to the refugee crisis in spite of and despite the actions of my own government.”
Mel and Justyn shared: “It’s helped us to be more understanding and patient.”
Communities Making Change
Mel and Justyn reflected:
“Communities can play a role in helping more people rebuild their lives by:
- Raising awareness of schemes like Housing Justice. That can mean reaching out to community organisations; churches; mosques.
Holding meetings about Housing Justice in different spaces in the community.
Social media presence.
Partnering with local Councils - By talking to friends and family about Housing Justice schemes that improve people’s lives.
- Focus on the benefits of these schemes to others in the community.”
Would you like to make a real difference in someone’s life?
If you have a spare room and a welcoming heart, becoming a host or resident landlord could be your chance to turn community into a superpower. By opening your home, you provide more than just shelter – you offer safety, hope, and the chance for someone rebuilding their life to thrive.
Join Housing Justice’s network today and help create stronger, kinder communities where everyone belongs.