Do you have a spare room?

Could you offer temporary shelter to someone forced to flee their country? You could be a host with Room for Refugees.

It’s about removing the borders from our hearts and our minds.

Retired Professor Jo and guest Nabeela from Pakistan

Ukrainian refugee crisis

Ukrainians who want to be accommodated via Room for Refugees or the UK Government Homes for Ukrainians can complete this refugee request form

Ukraine Refugee Appeal: this Appeal will support Ukrainian and other refugees in the UK and Europe. Donate to our Appeal today

See also our resources for refugees from Ukraine, and for supporters

Host a refugee child, family or individual in your home

Today we’re seeing the biggest movement of people to Europe since the refugee crisis following World War II. If you’ve come to this page because you want to respond to what you’ve seen on the news, thank you. Showing hospitality is one of the most practical and powerful ways you can respond.

The Room for Refugees network helps those who are seeking sanctuary to rebuild their lives. We connect those with a spare room in their home to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay. Our hosts come from across the UK and the US.

Since 2002, we have placed thousands of people for anything from a week, to months and years, and notched up tens of thousands of nights of shelter.

As a “refugee host”, you decide how long you can offer a spare room or property. We screen all referrals to ensure a safe match, and our team are there to support you and your guest throughout the placement.

Find out more about how it works.

I want to...


Become a refugee host

Find out how to offer a spare room to help a destitute refugee resolve their crisis

Find help and accommodation

If you are a refugee in need of assistance, please contact us.

Make a referral

Find out how to refer someone in need, and apply for a caseworker account

Can you help by volunteering or making a donation?
Your assistance, however modest, gives people hope to rebuild their lives. Thank you.

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It’s like living with any other housemate.

Omar with hosts Alister and Eloise

Omar is our first guest and it’s been lovely getting to know one each other. He is (slowly!) teaching us Arabic and has also introduced us to Syrian cuisine. I would definitely recommend hosting to those thinking about it; it’s been an entirely enjoyable experience. Elouise, Environmental Consultant from Glasgow, Scotland

I was a teacher in Darayya, Syria. I lost my wife and everything I had. Alister and Eloise have been very patient and kind to take me into their home. One day I hope I can rebuild my life and repay the kindness they have shown to me.Omar, Teacher from Darayya, Syria

Read more from our hosts and their guests.

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