Hosts are still needed for the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Over 400 households in Cornwall have so far opened their homes to provide a place of sanctuary for over 1000 Ukrainians. But as the war in Ukraine continues, refugees are still arriving in the UK.
And they still need places to stay.
Please contact Cornwall Council Resettlement Service to register your interest or ask any questions. You can email them at ResettlementService@cornwall.gov.uk.
We are continuing to work with government and other agencies to match families with hosts after completing safeguarding and suitability checks.
We are also managing rematches where a placement has ended and guests need a new place to live.
Homes for Ukraine scheme
The UK Homes for Ukraine is open for visa applications from Ukrainians who already have named people willing to sponsor them.
They do not need a family tie to take part in this scheme, but they must be sponsored by an individual or organisation in the UK.
You can record your interest in hosting as an:
- individual
- organisation (for example charity, business, community group)
Hosting a Ukrainian refugee
If you would like to become a Homes for Ukraine host, the first step is to contact Cornwall Council Resettlement Service to register your interest. You can do this by emailing them at ResettlementService@cornwall.gov.uk.
You must be able to host a person or family in your own home or in another property, for at least six months.
Charities, businesses and community groups can also apply.
Those offering to host a refugee will undergo a series of checks. Ukrainian applicants will also undergo security checks before they are matched with a host.
The government have not restricted the number of Ukrainians who can arrive under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
You do not need to know the refugee you wish to host in advance. You don't have to name an individual or a family you want to host when you complete the application form.
Payments for hosts
Hosts in Cornwall are given a thank you payment of £500 per household, per month to open their homes to refugees. With increased funding for supporting larger families. This figure may be different in other parts of the UK.
All funding for the Homes for Ukraine scheme comes direct from the UK government and not from local Council Tax. You’ll need to fill in a BACS Request Form to receive payments.
You will not be paid if you already have, or you form, a close family relationship with your guest.
The rights of Ukrainian refugees
Ukrainians welcomed under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme will be eligible to:
- work
- access state benefits
- access public services for three years
Find out more about Money, Benefits and Employment for refugees.
Safeguarding
All accommodation offered will be subject to safeguarding checks carried out by the Council.
Find out more about how we support refugees in Cornwall.