Housing People with No Recourse to Public Funds

Who are we talking about?‘Failed’ Asylum Seekers OverstayersIllegal ImmigrantsEU migrants who have not been working long

enough to qualifySpouses of those with valid visasThose on visas that stipulate NRPF.

Housing People with No Recourse to Public Funds

What does it mean in Practice?No right to any benefitsNo right to accommodation that relies on HBUnless a EU National or in possession of a

work permit, no right to work

Started 2005 with 3 projects Now 29 Projects across 22 towns and cities All accommodating people with NRPF – nearly all

refused asylum seekers Steering Group of 9 meets 2-3 times a year National Conference + 4 regional focus meetings £11k funding from Homelessness Transition Fund

Aims and Objectives

To provide accommodation in every town and city where there are destitute migrants

To share resources and good practice To encourage member groups To help new projects set up To be a voice for the destitute

Meeting Local Needs

Local Needs need local solutions Local authorities, statutory bodies and

NGOs vary a great deal Housing prices and availability vary Some existing projects can take on

destitution: in other places a new project is required

Scheme 1: Permanent Night Shelter

One Church Building, 8pm – 8am For up to 15 men Volunteer – led: 25 volunteers Originally winter only, now year round Evening Meal, Breakfast & packed

lunch provided Funded through destitution fund

Scheme 2: Temporary Night Shelter

7 venues x 1 night, 9 pm – 8.30 am Evening meal and breakfast Up to 12 men 1st November – 30th April Transport required Co-ordinated by Boaz male caseworker Clients can access Boaz facilities inc. solicitor Funded through British Red Cross

Scheme 3: Hosting

Spare rooms offered Short / long-term Host sets parameters Paid or volunteer co-ordinator Guest support varies: financial / practical /

legal Spare capacity important Host support important

Scheme 4: Empty Vicarages

Requires diocesan support DBF or Glebe properties? Often large properties: upkeep can be

expensive Potential to house large numbers Short-term or long-term? Destitute a.s or refugees? Also Catholic presbyteries

Scheme 5: Mixed Housing Scheme

Houses rented from private landlords Some loaned for free Accommodation for refugees Income from HB / rents pays for space for

destitute 2-3 refugees will pay for one destitute a.s Sustainable – especially if exempt from LHA Others use refugee houses to fund destitute

houses – working with Green Pastures Housing

Scheme 6: Housing Association Partnership

Empty HA properties in regeneration areas Tenants moved out in advance May be empty for years before demolition Often in very good condition Leases often short-term, but usually

renewed Huge Potential

Scheme 7: Special Partnerships

Particular Groups – vulnerable women / women and children / trafficked women / People who are HIV+ / hospital discharges

Offering a cheaper solution Funded by NHS / Social Services / AIDS

charity / Local Authority

Scheme 8: Loaned Houses

Houses either loaned by people who no longer need them, or supporters who buy them for use

No rent to pay: main costs are utilities and upkeep

Annual licence agreements Owner responsible for major works, Boaz

for daily maintenance

Other Possibilities

Caravans Student accommodation during the summer Religious orders (Catholic Worker Houses) Industrial premises Old buses

For more information go to www.naccom.org.uk