Host a Refugee in Cardiff or Newport
Could you Join this Powerful Movement?
Welcome to Housing Justice Cymru’s Hosting Project!
We are based in Cardiff, Newport and Wrexham and are working to help people seeking sanctuary who are facing homelessness. Funded by Comic Relief and the Welsh Government, our project aims to bridge the gap between homelessness and hope through hosting.
Sadly, many people find themselves completely destitute while they seek asylum in the UK. With no right to work, no access to accommodation, and no access to benefits. The current political climate in the UK leaves these people uncared for and unwelcome.
That’s where the Hosting Project comes in. We connect volunteer households with people who urgently need somewhere safe to stay. Our hosts are fantastic people who welcome others into their home for a temporary period. The time and stability provided through hosting gives people the chance to heal, access support and advocacy, and to begin to build a sense of belonging.
Hosting is not just about the guests. It’s also about the hosts. Many hosts tell us they enjoy the opportunity for cultural exchange, forming meaningful connections with people from other areas of the world… and often discovering new food! Hosting is an opportunity to be an active part of an inclusive and welcoming community.
When a local person gets in touch with us, we support them to consider whether hosting is for them. When someone becomes a host, we’re with them every step of the way. We offer training, guidance, and reflective practice to ensure hosting experiences are rewarding.
An independent evaluation of Housing Justice Cymru’s Hosting project, using interviews with hosts and guests highlights the impact and challenges of hosting. We are pleased this report demonstrates that Hosting is rooted in compassion and brings the word “Sanctuary” to life. Read the Hosting Evaluation 2023 report here:
HOSTING EVALUATION: BUILDING A NATION OF SANCTUARY – HANNAH WOODS, 2023
What does Hosting Involve?
Volunteer with People Seeking Sanctuary
Your spare room could change somebody’s life
Hosting involves opening your home to people seeking sanctuary who are destitute. As a host, you offer a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring guests have a comfortable place to stay for a short period, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.
Hosts play a pivotal role in offering stability and a sense of belonging to those who have fled from difficult situations. While hosting, you will receive guidance and support from Housing Justice Cymru, including training, reviews and a community of support.
Hosts often develop meaningful connections, enjoy cultural learning, and create lasting memories while supporting people seeking sanctuary to establish a sense of home in Cardiff, Newport and Wrexham. Hosting directly prevents homelessness among people seeking sanctuary in Wales.
At Housing Justice Cymru, our Hosting Officers offer holistic support to guests including well-being assistance, advocacy and signposting. Hosts concentrate on offering a welcoming and inclusive environment, so you can maintain your own routines and commitments.
When it comes to food and kitchen arrangements, we understand that every host has their own preferences and boundaries. Kitchen space and food arrangements areunique to each household. Housing Justice Cymru facilitates open communication and will work with you and your guest to establish harmonious living arrangements.
By opening your home as a host, you are making a significant difference in the lives of those seeking sanctuary, offering safety and a Warm Welsh Welcome.
Find FAQs here: HOSTING FAQs
Find steps on becoming a host here: BECOMING A HOST
Our Impact
Hosting People Seeking Sanctuary is a Housing Solution Our Communities Need
Our project has a huge positive impact on people. It’s all made possible by our dedicated hosts!
- 2700+ safe nights, bringing people off the streets and away from the risk of exploitation
- 1 to 1 support for guests in the project, empowering them to action a move-on plan and move into stable accommodation
- Advocacy and signposting
- Community and belonging
See our Guest and Host Impact Summary Infographics here:
HOSTING IMPACT 2021 – 2023
Register Your Interest to Become a Host
Get in touch with us to find out more about hosting! Let us know you’re interested in hosting and we can set up a call to answer all your questions and send you a host application form.
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