Housing People with No Recourse to Public Funds

1. Housing People with No Recourse to Public Funds Who are we talking about? • ‘Failed’ Asylum Seekers • Overstayers • Illegal Immigrants • EU migrants who have not been working long enough to qualify • Spouses of those with valid visas • Those on visas that stipulate NRPF.

2. Housing People with No Recourse to Public Funds What does it mean in Practice? • No right to any benefits • No right to accommodation that relies on HB • Unless a EU National or in possession of a work permit, no right to work

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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