The Home Office requires Sponsorship groups to source safe, appropriate accommodation for a resettled family, which is available to them for a minimum of two years. The rent must be affordable and sustainable, accounting for the welfare income the family will receive. This house must be approved by the council.
Once a suitable house has been found…
- Any necessary structural work is done to ensure the house is safe
- Gas and electric checks are carried out by professionals
- House is decorated and made welcoming
- House is equipped and furnished, so that the family can arrive and immediately get on with their lives. This includes providing linen and bedding, cleaning equipment, kitchen and cooking equipment, crockery… Almost all of this was acquired through donations and online ‘free to a good home’ sites!
- The charity purchased toiletries and a large amount of culturally appropriate food to help the family settle in.