Charity providing life-changing support to survivors celebrates milestone and calls for more hosts to help end modern slavery this Anti-Slavery Month.
Hope at Home, a national charity headquartered in the West Midlands, is the UK’s only hosting scheme dedicated to supporting survivors of modern slavery. The charity has reached an extraordinary milestone by providing 11,000 nights of safe sleep for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking. As the charity celebrates this achievement, it continues to shine a light on the need for secure housing to prevent homelessness and re-trafficking for survivors.
The organisation’s unique hosting model matches survivors with compassionate volunteer hosts, ordinary people with a spare bedroom, offering them a home environment where they can rebuild their lives.
“Survivors of slavery need more than just a roof over their heads: they need safety, community and the chance to heal,” said Helen Hodgson, Operations Director at Hope at Home. “This milestone is a testament to the incredible work of our hosts who open their homes and hearts to survivors. However, we need more hosts to step forward and provide that safety net.”
A Survivor’s Story: Maria’s Journey
In honour of Anti-Slavery Day, Hope at Home shares Maria’s story. Maria* was referred to Hope at Home after facing homelessness following her escape from exploitation. She had been forced into domestic servitude, lived in fear and was unsure of her future. Thanks to Hope at Home’s hosts, Maria found safety and the opportunity to build a new life. “I’m living with the most beautiful family, full of love and respect,” Maria said. “They’ve shown me how families can be, and it’s taught me so much. With their help, I’ve been able to focus on my wellbeing, attend counselling sessions through Hope at Home’s Wellbeing Programme, and start looking towards the future.”
Maria’s journey is an example of how safe housing can transform a survivor’s life, allowing them a safe space to heal and regain independence. With support from her hosts, Maria has been able to attend employability programmes and work towards securing a stable job and independent housing.
The Urgent Need for Hosts
While Hope at Home celebrates 11,000 safe nights, the charity is far from complacent. As we mark Anti-Slavery Day, we’re reminded that the fight against modern slavery is far from over. As the demand for safe homes continues to rise, more hosts are urgently needed to help survivors like Maria who are at risk of homelessness and re-exploitation.
“What sets Hope at Home apart is the support we offer our hosts,” explained Hodgson. “From trauma-informed training to ongoing emotional support, our hosts never feel alone on this journey. Hosting can be incredibly rewarding, and we ensure our hosts have everything they need to make a difference in a survivor’s life.”
Call to Action: How You Can Help
Hope at Home is calling for individuals and families across the UK to consider hosting a survivor of modern slavery. Whether you have a spare room for a few weeks or a few months, your support could be the difference between safety and further exploitation for someone in need. Hope at Home offers its hosts a full programme of support and a hosting allowance to help with any increased costs associated with hosting.
Those interested in hosting can learn more by visiting www.hopeathome.org.uk/hosting-information. If hosting isn’t possible, the charity’s Room Sponsor programme allows supporters to make donations towards their mission.