Words by Smiley Team
One day after its launch, the UK’s Homes for Ukraine scheme has already gained 89,000 sign-ups from households willing to offer their spare rooms to refugees.
The scheme pays households £350 a month, tax-free, to allow a refugee to live in their home for a minimum of six months. Hosts can cover food and living expenses if they wish. But this is not compulsory.
When the scheme launched on Monday 14 March, its coordinator and founder of Sanctuary Project, Krish Kandiah, told Sky News: “We’re going to help connect people with people in Ukraine who come here. There’s been such an incredible outpouring of generosity from our nation and here’s a really practical way that people can help.”
UK residents, including prominent figures, voiced their willingness to support refugees through the scheme.
Among them, actor Benedict Cumberbatch announced he would host Ukrainian refugees in his home. “We all need to do something more than is emblematic or signature in this,” he said. “We have to actually continue to put pressure on our government over the refugee issue.”
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Meanwhile, Gary Lineker encouraged others to join the scheme, sharing the Homes for Ukraine website with his Twitter followers.
Others have found ways to welcome refugees into their homes through non-governmental organisations. One host, Lisa Kay, had already begun hosting two child refugees and hoped to house more refugees before the scheme was launched.
“I’d like to be able to look after them. I think they’ve been through absolute hell,” she said.
Organisations are concerned that the public’s generosity will not suffice. Refugee charities stress that those fleeing the war in Ukraine will require additional governmental support if they are to settle into the country with ease.
Enver Solomon, CEO of The Refugee Council said: “Those coming here who have already had their lives turned upside down, will also not have full rights to benefits, so there is a real risk they could end up homeless if they have to leave the sponsors or extended family home which would be completely devastating.
“It’s vital they can quickly access GPs, mental health services and schools to ensure they have the support they will so desperately need to rebuild their lives in the UK.”
DONATE: To help cover the costs of expert support needed by refugees, donate to The Refugee Council.
HOUSE A REFUGEE: If you are an individual or family wanting to welcome a Ukrainian refugee into your home, sign up for Homes for Ukraine.
