Thousands of people arrive in the UK each year seeking a new life away from conflict and persecution in their homelands. Many become destitute during the asylum process or because they have other problems with their immigration status and they are not permitted to work or receive financial support in the form of welfare benefits or mainstream housing provision.
A project in London is helping single women and migrant families with children who are at risk of exploitation and homelessness. The project provides them with safe, free accommodation and immigration support and advice. The No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Housing project is run by human rights organisation Praxis in partnership with charity Commonweal Housing, and uses an innovative model to fund its 25 bed spaces.
Commonweal Housing secured £2.3 million from social investors to purchase seven houses in London, which are leased at below market rate to Praxis. An eighth house is leased from a private landlord. Local authorities have a duty to support No Recourse to Public Funds families with children and pay Praxis a nightly rate for its accommodation. Praxis uses this income to pay the rent on the properties, fund the housing team and subsidise the spaces for single women who are housed in the single rooms at the properties. As part of the service, residents also have access to free immigration advice and support groups provided within Praxis.
Since April 2015, the project has housed 106 people (including 60 children) and has helped to resolve the immigration status of 60 people, ensuring a more secure future for these highly vulnerable individuals.
