Migration project

Migration and homelessness are key areas of Homeless Link’s work. We believe that no individual should be made homeless or be put at risk of homelessness as a result of their migration status. Our work to date has specifically focused on the migrant groups most at risk of becoming homeless – Central and Eastern Europeans, asylum seekers and refugees, and other undocumented migrants.

Background

Last year, we undertook a specific project on Central and Eastern European Homelessness in London. See the research and findings from this project, which ended in March 2009. To access resources on this issue please visit our Central and Eastern European pages which provide guidance on entitlements and services for this client group.

Our current project is focussing on wider migrant groups who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Many of these clients are particularly vulnerable as they have limited access to benefits, which means that many of the traditional routes out of homelessness are closed to them. Although the needs and entitlements of each migrant group vary, some have limited access to services, such as secondary healthcare, and have restricted access to employment options. These can further compound the challenges these individuals, and the agencies working with them, can face.

Aims of our current project

  • To better understand the housing and wider needs of migrants
  • to inform policy development around homelessness and migration, drawing on the experiences of our members
  • to support agencies in meeting the needs of migrant and NRPF clients, through resources and good practice.

Aspects of our project include:

  • establishing, with the CLG, and facilitating a Migrant Rough Sleeper group, chaired by Lord Roberts of Llandudno, which is attended by the GLA, UKBA, CLG and other partner
  • establishing a network of practitioners to gather agencies’ experiences, identify trends and gather good practice around this issue
  • conducting a survey of members and refugee agencies to better understand patterns of homelessness amongst migrants; their support needs; and how agencies are able to address these needs. Results of the survey will be published later in 2009
  • holding two spotlight events were held in July – one in Peterborough and one in Stoke – focussing on good practice working with A8 and A2 nationals
  • running various consultation events that focus on different aspects of migration and homelessness - including barriers to employment/housing. This includes a Call for Evidence regarding responses to NRPF groups to inform new guidance for homeless services focusing on solutions and entitlements
  • expanding the current resources on our website.

Further information

For information, guidance and resources on working with migrants, click here.

 To find out more about our project, please contact Joanne Crellen at Homeless LInk.