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Criteria for Eligibility of Scheme

Generally, the following criteria apply:

  • Over the age of 18.
  • Positive RG decision or Positive / Negative CG decision.
  • Must be actively working towards a plan to move on from hosts (We are unable to host people indefinitely until they receive an asylum decision as our placements are temporary and interim).
  • Have ongoing professional support in place.
  • We are able to accommodate people with no recourse to public funds.
  • We welcome people regardless of their race, colour, gender, gender expression, age, ethnic origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation and of all faiths and none.
  • We are unable to accommodate any person with a current substance misuse issue or current risk of suicide.
  • Possessing a criminal record does not in itself bar someone from accessing our service. However, it is vital that referrers share any information they may hold relating to involvement with the police or criminal activity in order for us to make an informed decision, and to then discuss this with potential hosts.
  • We are unable to accept self referrals.
  • We are not able to host people who could otherwise access Asylum Support accommodation and expect this accommodation to be accepted if offered to our guests whilst they are being hosted.

Referral form

Criteria for Eligibility of Scheme

Generally, the following criteria apply:

  • Over the age of 18.
  • Requiring accommodation (i.e. moving on from a Safehouse, needing the stability of a safe home for rebuilding independence or facing street homelessness).
  • Ready to move on and begin to lead a more independent life.
  • Have completed Move On Needs Assessment form.
  • We welcome people regardless of their race, colour, gender, gender expression, age, ethnic origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation and of all faiths and none.

Button Text  Referral Process

The two groups we place with hosts are as below:

EU Individuals, Non EU with Leave to Remain & British Citizens

‘Job ready’ although no requirement to be employed.

Does not meet threshold for adult social services.

Needs low to medium support to live independently.

Lack of finances / access to public funds do not exclude these individuals from this scheme.

Non-EU individuals seeking asylum

Lack of access to public funds / employment does not exclude these individuals from this scheme.

Low to medium support needs.

Does not meet threshold for adult social services intervention.

We are unable to host someone who has access to Asylum Support Accommodation.  If a guest is offered this accommodation whilst in a placement with hosts, we expect they will accept the offer and our placement will end.

Referral Process

Our scheme operates entirely on the goodwill and generosity of our hosts.  Hosts are members of the public, living in normal domestic housing, who have a strong desire to offer their spare room to someone in need.  They have been trained and vetted by Hope at Home but do not have specialist knowledge of the issues facing our guests.  Some may also have children in their homes.

For these reasons it is not possible for us to accept all referrals.  It is vital that we do not knowingly put hosts or their household members at risk.  Therefore, please ensure you complete as much detail as possible on the referral form as this forms part of our safeguarding and risk assessment processes.

  • Hosting Referral hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm. We are able to receive a referral within these hours.  Out of hours referrals will be picked up the following working day.  As this person is going to stay in a family home with volunteer hosts, please complete the form with as much information as possible.
  • We aim to reply to referrals within 72 hours of receipt.
  • It always takes a few days to process a referral, gather adequate details of the person referred and find the most appropriate host. Therefore, we are unable to consider emergency referrals.
  • Referral form to be submitted to referrals@hopeathome.org.uk.
  • Assessment will be made by staff member and once an available host is found or we determine that none are currently available, referrers will be informed.  Please be aware that places are not allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis or whether they appear to have the greatest need.  Compatibility with the hosts available is also a major criterion and hosts always have the right to refuse a potential referral.
  • Hope at Home staff will have a zoom interview with the client to ensure they understand the hosting scheme, are consenting to it and to provide the opportunity for them to ask questions.
  • Once the zoom interview is complete and if we feel we are able to place the person, we will send host details to referrer and the client can make a decision on whether to pursue the placement. We can also arrange a zoom call with hosts if required.
  • We are not able to offer permanent accommodation to guests. Hosts have the right to terminate a placement at any time, although they are encouraged to give as much notice as possible.  We cannot guarantee finding alternative accommodation for a guest whose placement comes to an end.
  • Any discussion about referrals or the service, please contact Helen Hodgson 07923 246561 or helen@hopeathome.org.uk
  • Please note we reserve the right to decline a referral if it is deemed by ourselves to be a risk to either the hosts or guests.

Provision of Support

Hope at Home facilitates living arrangements by recruiting, supporting and training hosts. Hosts are also expected to have their own network of support.

We do not expect hosts to offer professional support or advocacy for their guests and so we work alongside other agencies who are able to offer this, coupling safe accommodation along with expert and well trained support for the guest.

The role of the host is one of practical support such as basic life-skills and encouragement to access other services.  Hosts are trained to signpost to other services if necessary.

Finances

We are able to provide hosting placements whether or not the individual has access to public funds.

If the guest is unable to claim any benefits or work in the UK, the hosts will be able to claim up to £50 per week for associated expenses e.g. travel costs and toiletries for the guest, extra groceries or heating bills.

Timescales

Please email referrals to referrals@hopeathome.org.uk.

As the referrer, please fill in the Referral Form as accurately and honestly as you possibly can.  Please do not ask your client to complete the form. Our hosts are welcoming strangers into their homes and will need as much detail as possible in order to undertake this voluntary arrangement.

Please note we are not an emergency accommodation service and aim to reply to referrals within 72 hours. If you have a specific time limit, please make this clear on the referral form.

Please contact us on:

Telephone 07877 447341  |  Email: helen@hopeathome.org.uk   |