Hosting and sponsorship

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People's legs standing on asphalt road on which the flag of Ukraine is drawn.

Being a host is a positive and rewarding experience; helping someone in need, forming new friendships and learning about new cultures. It can also be challenging, so it is important hosts take time to consider this carefully, to ensure that the hosting experiences works for everyone. Think about hosting as co-living, hosts share their private space and guests live in someone’s else’s home. Introduction to Everyday Co-living through Homes for Ukraine scheme | Migration Yorkshire

If you want to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine, you can become a sponsor as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Please use this link to record your interest. 

Homes for Ukraine: record your interest - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You can read more about sponsorship under the Homes for Ukraine scheme on the government's website

Pre-arrival

Sponsors can also find their own matches independently and apply with a nominated guest where they already know the person they wish to sponsor. Here is a list of approved organisations that can also assist with matching sponsors with applicants.

Pre-arrival consider your costs, when preparing space in your home. Be aware that thank you payments are £350 a month up to 12 months and then thereafter £500 a month up to 36 months (depending on guest visa).

Use your local council’s’ Homes for Ukraine’ team for support and information.  

Post-arrival

Reach out to organisations, who can help you and your guest to integrate and start to feel more part of their community. For example, charities and connect to other Ukrainians/hosts in area.

Review ‘A practical guide for hosts first 6-8 weeks’ which includes how to support guests to access services (eg schools, benefits); and a list of what to do to help guests settle in.

Move on

When it’s time for your guests to leave you, they may ask you for guidance on what to do next. It’s always good to have conversations around ending your support early on.

  • Ending your hosting arrangements, and helping your guest with their next steps: Homes for Ukraine - GOV.UK 
  • Take a look at the guidance on some practical support as your guests prepare for the end of hosting.

Research on Hosting

  • Take a look at “We are learning together” Yorkshire and Humber Homes for Ukraine Host Feedback Survey 2023: Quantitative Report.
    The aim of this survey was to collect data and information on hosts across Yorkshire and Humber on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, their experiences of hosting and ways to improve similar schemes in the future.
  • “We are learning together” Yorkshire and Humber Homes for Ukraine Host Feedback Survey 2023: Quantitative Report | Migration Yorkshire
  • This research explores the experiences of everyday co-living through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

  • One year after the launch of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, NACCOM reflects on its impact and the role that hosting has played in providing safe accommodation to refugees from Ukraine.
  • A new report by More in Common finds that one year on from its launch the Homes for Ukraine scheme has been a broad success that should be celebrated and learned from. Drawing on public opinion research and a survey of over 1200 Homes for Ukraine hosts.