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A person seeking asylum in York and applying for asylum support housing may have to wait for days or weeks to be allocated a place, normally in another town or city.

Meanwhile, we may be able to provide temporary accommodation with an approved City of Sanctuary volunteer. The Homestay programme is short stay, and can be extended only by mutual consent of host and guest.

The scheme is monitored by the Co-ordinator of the scheme, to ensure guests and hosts are at all times satisfied with the arrangements. A small fee is paid to the host for expenses. It is not a rent and the guest has no legal rights and is not a tenant.

Homestay and Befriending Programme – Register of Interest

  • HOMESTAY – Do you have spare accommodation that you are able to offer on a temporary basis to one or more people who find themselves in York or the surrounding area unable to return to their country of origin.
  • BEFRIENDING – Would you would like to volunteer on our befriending project, offering newcomers support, advice and friendship.

Please register your interest here