We have been contacted by customers asking how they can support Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country.Ìý
Like you, we have been deeply moved by the plight of millions of Ukrainians who are being forced to flee their homes, so want to support customers who wish to volunteer spare accommodation and to help in other ways.Ìý
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Our SupportÌý
We are working with local authorities in our areas and partners nationally to determine what collective approach can be taken.Ìý
The government launched a Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme in March to enable people to volunteer accommodation, for a minimum of six months, to provide a route to safety for Ukrainians and their immediate family members. Ìý
We can support customers and shared owners who want to offer a room in their home, or leaseholders who wish to sub-let their home, through this scheme and will approve applications where possible.ÌýÌý
As a first step, you will need to let us know that you would like to volunteer so that we can check that your tenancy or lease agreement will allow this. You can do this by completing the form below:Ìý
Homes for Ukraine sponsor form
Before completing the form can you please read the useful information below, which includes some of the things you may need to consider:Ìý
Information for tenants
There are a number of important things that you may need to consider before volunteering accommodation in your home through this scheme:Ìý
- The government has said that a bed in a shared space is not an appropriate offer of accommodation for six months. Your tenancy agreement will also indicate the maximum number of occupants for your home.Ìý
- The support a refugee may need to settle in.Ìý
- The requirement to provide accommodation for at least six months. The government’s guidance says that if you don’t want to continue the arrangement beyond six months (or at any time after that), you should aim to give your guest two months’ notice so they can make alternative arrangements.Ìý
- Increases in household costs (e.g., utility bills) that may result from having more people living in your home.Ìý
- You will be paid £350 per month from the government as a goodwill payment and will not be able to charge the person/family rent. The ‘thank you’ payment is limited to one payment per residential address, for up to 12 months. The government has confirmed that this payment will not be treated as income for the purpose of benefit entitlements or affect council tax discounts.Ìý
- The terms of your tenancy agreement.Ìý
- Checking the policy of your home contents insurance provider. Many providers are publishing information on their website.Ìý
- Whilst we can support you by giving permission, you remain our tenant and we can only deal with you in relation to your property. You will be responsible for your lodger/sponsored household.
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The government has more information for people considering becoming a sponsor on their website – Ìý
Information for shared owners and leaseholders
ÌýThere are a number of things you will need to do before volunteering accommodation in your home or if you are planning to sub-let your home under the Homes for Ukraine scheme:Ìý
- Check the terms of your lease to establish if you require our consent, which will not unreasonably be withheld.
- Contact your mortgage provider and discuss this with them.
- Ensure that your accommodation is free from serious health and safety hazardsÌý
There are also other things you may need to consider:Ìý
- The government has said that a bed in a shared space is not an appropriate offer of accommodation for six months.Ìý
- The support a refugee may need to settle in.Ìý
- The requirement to provide accommodation for at least six months. The government’s guidance says that if you don’t want to continue the arrangement beyond six months (or at any time after that), you should aim to give your guest two months’ notice so they can make alternative arrangements.Ìý
- Increases in household costs (e.g., utility bills) that may result from having more people living in your home.Ìý
- You will be paid £350 per month from the government as a goodwill payment and will not be able to charge the person/family rent. The ‘thank you’ payment is limited to one payment per residential address, for up to 12 months. The government has confirmed that this payment will not be treated as income for the purpose of benefit entitlements or affect council tax discounts.Ìý
- The terms of your lease.ÌýÌý
- Shared owners are only able to take in lodgers, sub-letting is prohibited under the terms of a shared ownership lease.ÌýÌý
- Checking the policy of your home contents insurance provider. Many providers are publishing information on their website.Ìý
The government has more information for people considering becoming a sponsor on their website – .
Application to sub-let your home
If you are planning to sub-let your home under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you will need to complete our standard online sub-letting application form.Ìý
Other ways you can helpÌý
For those who can, the British Red Cross and Disasters Emergency Committee has established a Ukraine Crisis Appeal to provide food, water, first aid, medicine, warm clothes, and shelter.Ìý
The British Red Cross and Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal is the most efficient way to get resources to people assisting the humanitarian effort inside Ukraine and across Europe.Ìý
93p of every £1 donated goes directly to the response in Ukraine and in temporary reception centres (for example, those in Poland and Hungary). This includes a list of organisations (not just Red Cross) who are already setup to respond. The 7p includes platform fees for processing money and associated costs. No staff costs are included. (This information was correct at date of publication).Ìý
Ukraine Red Cross is already responding with volunteers in Ukraine (as are all Red Cross societies across Europe) delivering medical, welfare, and evacuation services.Ìý
Donations can be made .
Why is Â鶹Éç supporting people from Ukraine?Ìý
Â鶹Éç is a not-for-profit housing association committed to providing high-quality, affordable homes across Shropshire and Staffordshire.ÌýÌý
Our vision clearly sets out our pledge to make a positive difference to homes, lives and communities, so we want to support our customers who want to help people who need safety and support, by providing clear guidance and help.Ìý
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Further informationÌý
You can find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme on the government website –