The Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development has visited a refugee homelessness prevention scheme run by a Christian charity.
Tom Copley visited Housing Justice’s scheme to see their “revolutionary solution to homelessness in London”.
As a part of the visit, Copley met Anna, who became a resident landlord in March 2024 and Ibrahim, a Syrian refugee who’s staying at Anna’s property for a six-month lodging placement.
Anna volunteered for the scheme as a method to earn extra income from her spare room and out of a desire to assist ease the rough sleeping crisis in London. Ibrahim is the second refugee that Anna has accepted as a lodger, following a “positive experience” with the primary refugee assigned to her home.
Ibrahim, who was susceptible to homelessness when he first arrived in Britain, was granted refugee status in July 2024 and is currently “thriving” in his work as a handyman, in response to Housing Justice.
Ibrahim said of the arrangement, “I would really like to thank Housing Justice for all the help they’ve given me, from helping me move on from the homeless shelter to accommodation with Anna. She is a really kind lady who has helped me with many things. I appreciate all the things Housing Justice has done to present me a reasonable home. Thanks Housing Justice for being an answer to my problems.”
Housing Justice’s programme allows resident landlords to earn tax free income of as much as £7,500 per 12 months and is meant to offer newly accepted refugees with “a stepping stone between asylum accommodation and more everlasting homes”.
Potential resident landlords are vetted and trained by Housing Justice, while the lodgers are given support to find training, employment and gaining their very own tenancy in addition to access to English language classes.
The Deputy Mayor praised the scheme, which began in March last 12 months, “Everyone deserves a protected place to call home, so we’re proud to be supporting Housing Justice with their revolutionary Refugee Lodgings Programme, which helps to combat rough sleeping and homelessness within the capital by providing vital accommodation and support for newly recognised refugees.”
