Urgent Help Needed
In the 7 years we have been responding to need, it has never felt quite so urgent and so local.
People housed in temporary accommodation in North Somerset are starting to receive positive decisions on their asylum claims, and have the right to live and work in the UK. This should come as a relief. However, this comes with notice to leave their accommodation.
There has been a recent change in policy implementation that sees the notice reduced, from 28 days to 7 days.
Read more: Home Office change in practice increases risk of homelessness for recognised refugees
Some people have been waiting years for their decisions and then are expected to arrange bank accounts, register with DWP, find a job and secure accommodation in a mere 7 days. It is impossible, with the best will in the world, to address these needs in this time frame. To do this where English is a second language, resources are scant and the pathways aren’t always clear, makes it even more distressing for all involved.
North Somerset Council will only provide emergency accommodation if someone is deemed priority need, which does not apply in most cases.
National charity Refugees at Home provide temporary accommodation but do not currently have any hosts in North Somerset.
North Somerset does not currently have a homeless shelter.
These are all options we tried last week from the Welcome Centre, sitting opposite a young man who has been homeless since leaving his asylum accommodation.
Traumatised people, who the Home Office agree have the legal right to be in the UK, are sleeping rough in North Somerset.
Individuals are vulnerable to crime, abuse and exploitation on the streets.
This is a new problem for North Somerset and RWNS are pursuing several courses of action to try and find a workable solution.
Can you help?
Do you have a spare room you can share for a short time? Register to host with Refugees at Home
Can you write to your MP? Please ask them to work with us to find a more humane and sustainable solution
Can you volunteer with us, make referrals and support calls to private lettings agents? Please complete an application form and send it to support@rwns.org.uk
Do you have a spare few pounds? Help to cover short term housing costs as a last resort by contributing to the Crowdfunder
If you can think of any other ways to help offer safety to those who have already been through so much, please get in touch support@rwns.org.uk