Exploring Different Accommodation Models for Housing Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Promoting Pathways out of Destitution is a housing initiative in the North East that aims to relieve destitution and poverty while empowering individuals seeking sanctuary. They house refugees, asylum seekers, and EU migrants through various accommodation models and partnerships with landlords and housing associations. Starting in 2003, their housing portfolio includes shared houses, family tenancies, and support for those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). The initiative's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a Social Lettings Agent highlights their commitment to sustainable housing solutions.
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? Promoting Pathways out of Destitution Exploring Different Accommodation Models For Housing
We have been housing refugees and asylum seekers in the North East since 2003 Originally birthed out of a local church as a response to a growing number of Asylum Seekers with NRPF Our Mission is to Relieve destitution and poverty; whilst empowering and providing opportunity for those seeking sanctuary in the North East
Our Current Housing Portfolio We house both NRPF, refugees & EU migrants We work with landlords/investors We work with RSL s (Housing Associations) We are a landlord We are a Social Lettings Agent managing for a % fee. We now provide Sec 17 Children s Act & Care Act accommodation. We also run a NRPF hosting scheme & work closely with DePaul Night Stop (another NACCOM member)
Our Current Housing Portfolio 35 houses ( 2 to 4 bedroom) 3 are rent free (2 purchased for our use, 1 from a RSL) 3 are owned by us (Cash gifts + Quaker Housing grant). 27 we manage for a % management fee for private landlords (Social Lettings Agency refugee housing) 2 we manage for a church who are working with us. 16 are shared houses (4 individuals per house) 14M & 2F 19 are family/joint short hold tenancies (lighter touch and good income stream) We house 22 asylum seekers NRPF (some Ref. & AS mixed ) We house 95 Refugees & 2EU Nationals (66 are singles)
Our Housing Story? Started housing 4 NRPF in a borrowed house in 2003 with running costs paid by a local church. Grew quickly to 5 houses renting from private landlords all funded by charity grants. In 2006 got over stretched & nearly went under. Cut back to 2 & explored more sustainable model. Needed to stop relying exclusively on other charities for grant income to provide homes for NRPF.
How Our Model Developed We began to house refugees in 2008 We rented and sublet to accommodate 3 men under 35 s who couldn t find anywhere to live. We applied for seed funding to test model & open 2 houses for 3 years housing refugees & NRPF together in same house. We started to rent & sublet more property that met shared accommodation standards.
Becoming a Social Lettings Agent By renting rooms out to refugees we began to cross subsidized beds for those with NRPF. We vision cast within wider church community about property investment. We began working with first time investors keen to support refugees & NRPF. We began managing other peoples property for a management fee (8.5 to 15% of the gross income) which supported project costs & free NRPF beds.
Key things that influenced development We built a relationship with 2 student landlords with voids that allowed us to grow quickly (11 properties to right standard). We built a relationship with an RSL that led to a house rent free with conversion paid for. We invested in building relationships that led to 2 rent free properties & 3 that we now own. Our portfolio now nearly covers project costs
Model of Support. Vulnerability & move on potential influence who with NRPF is housed. Police checks part of risk management. Accommodation & support usually for up to 1 year but flexible (Refugees housed as long as they want). Asylum Support & Housing Team (1 Ft Manager 3.5 Ft support workers + 1 Pt housing maintenance) Information, advice & guidance signposting to OISC reg. specialists/solicitors. Practical food support & social drop in. Support for refugees during 28 notice period, benefits & housing advice. On going refugee support once housed. Support work funded by earned income + AB Charitable Trust & Big Lottery.
Three Tips Tell your story & build relationships (you never know what might come out of an invitation to speak or a meeting for coffee!) Have a clear plan but work within your capacity (however remain flexible in responding to opportunities) A safe and secure home fit for purpose (conversions that meet standards / fire risk assessments etc.)
Health & Safety / Fire Risk Assessment & Quality of finish etc.
Being a Landlord & acting as Letting Agent? What is the potential demand for refugee housing in your area? Talk to your local Homeless team? Each house needs to be fit for purpose? Different standards for shared accommodation & family accommodation. Not every property is the right property (location & configuration). We meet prospective landlords assess suitability & explain what improvements are needed. We also can manage the renovations for a fee.
Being a Landlord & acting as Letting Agent? We will offer to help source the right property & then manage the renovations (for a gift). We work closely with local Homeless teams to monitor demand and take referrals. We have grown organically not taking on more than we can adequately service. We advertise our Housing services to both landlords and end users (web, social media and leaflets)
