Story
People granted Refugee status have 7 days to find new accommodation. As a result, many of them are sleeping rough while looking for alternative housing.
Context
After being granted the right to live in the UK, refugees can face homelessness. Receiving a positive outcome and being recognised as Refugee is a celebration for people we work with, to continue rebuilding their lives in the UK. However, they now face a different obstacle: short-notice eviction from their accommodation.
The rise in house prices and rents in East Midlands and the cost of living crisis make it increasingly difficult to find social housing or private rented accommodation in Nottinghamshire.
Our advisers at Nottingham Refugee Forum work with new refugees to open a bank account, apply for financial support and find housing. However, many new refugees face homelessness while they search for alternative accommodation.
How are we helping?
We offer advice and support to refugees in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Distributing ready-made kits for new refugees who sleep rough is a way to provide some relief during difficult times.
The care package includes a rucksack, a sleeping bag and a foam mat. Each kit costs around £50to build.
Our partner, Nottingham Arimathea Trust manages a clothes bank, supports the emergency appeal with washing donated items (including sleeping bags) and putting the kits together. Working together is crucial to have an efficient response in times of crisis.
Nottingham Refugee Forum stores and distributes the kits. Essential items make an important difference during this stressful time, while we continue to work to find alternative accommodation and accompany people while they rebuild their lives in the UK.
Receiving refugee status should be a time of celebration, but these changes are leaving individuals facing a huge crisis just when their status is finally clarified. - Letter to the Home Secretary and the Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (05/09/2023)
How can you help?
This winter, a significant number of asylum seekers and newly recognised refugees will be at risk of rough sleeping. To support them, you can donate or create your own page and organise events to raise funds for our Appeal.
Please consider sharing the Campaign with your friends and family
Thank you for your support!