FREQUENTLY asked questions
Who is a DESTITUTE asylum seeker?
An Asylum Seeker is a person who flees from their homeland for fear of persecution or due to conflict. An asylum seeker has the right to stay in the country while their application is awaiting a decision, however there are many gaps in the system and asylum seekers become destitute, with no home or finical support.
Asylum seekers can also become destitute when they have not been granted asylum by the Government and all financial and other forms of support has been withdrawn from them. Most of these claims have failed because they lacked enough evidence that they have suffered ethnic, religious or political persecution in their home countries.
In very limited circumstances refused asylum seekers can apply for support, or Section 4, as it is known. This is seen as temporary support for those who for varying reasons cannot return to their home country. This could be because there is not a safe route home for them, or because they have a medical condition that means they can’t travel, for instance, being pregnant, or that they have submitted a fresh claim. Only a small number of the people who apply for Section 4 support are successful, which means many end up destitute.
Asylum seekers can also become destitute when they have not been granted asylum by the Government and all financial and other forms of support has been withdrawn from them. Most of these claims have failed because they lacked enough evidence that they have suffered ethnic, religious or political persecution in their home countries.
In very limited circumstances refused asylum seekers can apply for support, or Section 4, as it is known. This is seen as temporary support for those who for varying reasons cannot return to their home country. This could be because there is not a safe route home for them, or because they have a medical condition that means they can’t travel, for instance, being pregnant, or that they have submitted a fresh claim. Only a small number of the people who apply for Section 4 support are successful, which means many end up destitute.
What is Hosting?
At HOST Nottingham we hope that our volunteer hosts can provide a room for a destitute asylum seeker. Hosting is flexible, fitting around the host families routine. Some Hosts would rather not have someone in their house all day, and so offer Bed & Breakfast, whereas others provide a key to their guest and allow the guest to cook, these options will be put to you when you meet the Co-ordinator. We would expect food and facilities for cooking to be available to the asylum seeker. Some guests prefer to cook their own food whereas others cook and eat with the hosts.
How will I be supported when hosting?
Each Host will have an induction session with the Co-ordinator, and a chance to air any concerns they may have, further along the hosting process we will facilitate support meetings for hosts, where hosts can meet other hosts, share experiences, support each other and discuss how the process is working.
All hosts will be given information of activities for people to do during the day, and details of other support and advice agencies in Nottingham..
The Co-ordinator will also meet regularly with hosts and guest to provide one to one support during placements.
All hosts will be given information of activities for people to do during the day, and details of other support and advice agencies in Nottingham..
The Co-ordinator will also meet regularly with hosts and guest to provide one to one support during placements.
Who can be referred to host?
Our principle aim is to provide accommodation for single destitute asylum seekers. We will not normally place young female guests in all male households, nor single male guests in houses with teenage girls. If you have any concerns or preferences to a female or male guest please discuss this with the project Co-ordinator.
Is hosting breaking the law ?
No, hosting is legal, does not affect any council tax benefits and all guests are required to comply with immigration laws.
What can I do if I can't host but would like to help?
We have lots of other volunteering opportunities within host, please see the "get involved" page under About Us or get in contact with us, we would be more than happy to talk with you about further volunteering opportunities.
If you don't fancy any current Host volunteering opportunities, check out our resources page for other local organisations with a wide range of volunteering options.
If you don't fancy any current Host volunteering opportunities, check out our resources page for other local organisations with a wide range of volunteering options.