Working with Borderlands to reduce homelessness for refugees in Bristol

We’re pleased to announce we’re partnering with Borderlands, a charity based in Bristol working with refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants to help them move from exclusion to belonging.

ACH and Borderlands are now working together to provide housing in Bristol to homeless people with refugee status, through the management of a four bedroom supported house in the city. The property is owned by Borderlands, and is now managed by ACH to provide property maintenance, a designated support worker for each tenant and essential modernisation works.

Susanna Revolti, CEO of Borderlands, explained why Borderlands bought the property:

‘It started when one of our trustees bought this house, and the chair of the trustees of Borderlands had always had a vision of supporting asylum seeker and refugee communities who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

When this house opportunity came up that's when we decided we definitely wanted to invest in housing and we wanted to try it. Not only to have a house, but to build a community with pastoral support and mentoring opportunities.’

After running the property as a move-on house for their clients at risk of homelessness, Borderlands decided to partner with ACH in the management and support provision of the property. Our maintenance team at ACH were able to undertake essential improvement works in the house, including; painting and decoration, installing new flooring and undertaking safety checks.

‘We know that ACH is the expert in running supported accommodation for refugees in Bristol and other parts of the UK. They are our partners as part of BRASP (Bristol Refugee and Asylum Seeker Partnership) and it just made sense for us to collaborate with our close partners who are the experts in this field.’ – Susanna Revolti, CEO of Borderlands

What difference will this property make to the lives of refugees at risk of homelessness?

This property is making a huge difference to the lives of the people it is housing. In the UK asylum system, when a person has their asylum claim accepted and their refugee status granted, they are given just 28 days before they have to leave their government accommodation. Imagine trying to find a house, an income, a bank account, a GP in 28 days in an unfamiliar country.

There were people who had newly received their status as refugees and we wanted to support them in that moving on period when they needed to leave government accommodation. This is a period that is really crucial for refugees, and it can be really difficult.

We know that there is a housing crisis all around, and especially in Bristol there is a shortage of housing. As a result, in that moving on period it is very easy for refugees to become at risk of homelessness.

Having a safe space where tenants have time to start their lives in the UK is invaluable. Just having the time and support to set up a bank account, look for long term accommodation and look for a job without the stress. – Susanna Revolti, CEO of Borderlands

This is why supported housing is vital to bridge this gap, helping newly arrived refugees build lives in the UK by providing safe and supported housing.

Saed Mohamed, ACH Housing Manager, said:

‘This property that ACH has leased from Borderlands has already provided shelter and safety to four homeless individuals who have experienced trauma due housing problems as they had previously been sofa surfing and endured hardship in finding a place to call home.

ACH provides supported housing with wraparound support to refugee clients. Our focus is on providing safe and secure accommodation with support to enable people with refugee status to settle, integrate and gain valuable skills through training.’

Are you thinking about leasing your property to help refugees in the UK?

If you’re considering renting your property to people with refugee status through ACH, get in touch. Partnering with ACH will save you money on fees, earning you a competitive monthly rent, whilst providing someone with the foundation to build a life in the UK.

‘We are calling on other organisations and property owners to work with ACH as your property will make a huge impact and difference for people who need roof over their head. ACH will ensure your property is well maintained as well as offering a competitive rent to cover your cost.’ – Saed Mohamed, ACH Housing Manager.

For Susanna Revolti, CEO of ACH, the choice is simple!

‘I think for other people that are looking to support refugees, it's such a tangible support that you can give. Giving people a house is totally the best thing that you can do. It's the first step to living an independent life and moving on.’

Want to learn more about ACH’s partnerships with organisations and private landlords? Click here to learn more about our housing offer.

Or contact us on: lettings@ach.org.uk

Find out more about BRASP, and how we're making a change in Bristol, here.