Destitute asylum seekers who have no recourse to public funds are often at the bottom of the pile when it comes to support and sympathy.

Each person has their own story of how and why they have made the difficult decision to leave their home and maybe their entire family, to make a long, often terrifying and dangerous journey to another country. They are frequently traumatised, bewildered and confused by the hostile reception they get from the Home Office, when they finally get to the UK.

They are people like us, who had a home, a job, a normal life and a simple wish to continue living in peace. War, persecution and discrimination are common reasons for their need to escape, sometimes to save their lives. The choice is not made lightly, and their hope is to rebuild a life somewhere free from persecution and conflict. Sadly, they are likely to find the UK a less welcoming place than they hoped and have the added issues of language, isolation, poverty and unemployment to deal with.

Asylum seekers will initially be given Home Office support if their case is thought to be worthy of consideration. If their case is turned down after further consideration, they will then be left destitute, with no recourse to public funds and no accommodation. This can happen very quickly, leaving them street homeless.

We are appealing for your support. This is what we need…

  • Future houses

    In order to continue in the long term, we are looking for two houses each with four bedrooms, kitchen, lounge, and preferably a bathroom and a separate toilet; ideally with front and back door, a small garden or yard, in locations with good transport links to town.

    Do you have such a property which you could let us use, preferably for a reduced rent? Do you know anyone we could approach? Do you have any home maintenance skills to offer?

  • Our houses now

    In order to continue renting houses from landlords and paying the current 'market rate' in Leeds we need to find enough funding to pay rents. Our annual rental costs are approx. £11,000 for each of our two houses.

    Can you help with the rent?

    Do you know anyone we could approach?

  • Daily living

    Asylum seekers can become destitute because they are not allowed to earn money or receive benefits. We need funds to provide them with basic needs of daily living. Donations of food, travel passes, phone top-ups are all welcome. We give a small weekly allowance to each person in order that they have a degree of independence.

    Can you help with small cash donations?

    Can you help to provide other daily needs?

  • Odds and ends

    Any small gifts are appreciated. Just £200 pays for house contents insurance for one year for example; or volunteering English language teaching, cooking, or first aid; or you may be able to help set up a new house with gifts of furniture or offering DIY skills.

    Can you offer any financial support?

    Can you donate any small gifts?