Index.php
The RefugeeHomeNL project has yielded significant outcomes and demonstrated that spontaneous offers of assistance from society, with the support of collaborating NGOs, have led to sustainable and secure accommodation solutions. The experiences gained from RefugeeHomeNL will be translated into an approach that can be quickly and smoothly implemented in the event of future humanitarian crises. In the meanwhile, this website will stay online to share information with host families and people who are considering to offer private shelter.
The four organizations and the ministry have collectively decided not to apply for new funding for the year 2024. The main reason for ending the program is the significant decline in demand from guests and available host families. Additionally, it has become increasingly challenging to match the preferred locations of the displaced individuals (Randstad and larger cities) with the available host families. Cohabitation through RefugeeHomeNL is typically undertaken for a 3-month period. In some cases, guests and host families decide to continue cohabiting through mutual agreement. Cohabitation generally takes place in good harmony. The need for support and guidance for these long-term cohabitants is therefore minimal. There is also a natural decline in the number of cohabitations. Some Ukrainian displaced individuals return to Ukraine, or they manage to find independent housing on their own.
A total of 3,458 refugees from Ukraine have found a temporary home in 1,726 Dutch host families through RefugeeHomeNL.
The four organizations within RefugeeHomeNL each had their responsibilities for different aspects of the program’s implementation, and they collaborate as a whole:
- Takecarebnb – managed the applications, did screening of host families, and made the initial match between guests and hosts
- Red Cross – The “Verbinders” (Connectors) from the Red Cross facilitated the matchmaking between guests and host families, organized mutual introductions and did intake interviews with guests. The Red Cross also handled project management and communication tasks.
- Salvation Army (Leger des Heils) – The “Gasthuishouden-Ondersteuners” (Guesthouse Supporter Volunteers) from the Salvation Army, who are volunteers, provided guidance to both host families and guests during the cohabitation period.
- VluchtelingenWerk Nederland – A volunteer from VluchtelingenWerk (Dutch Council for Refugees) maintained contact with the guest during the cohabitation period and offered a wide range of advice and information through RefugeeHelp and contact lines.
Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a significant influx of refugees began. Many tens of thousands of Ukrainians fled to the Netherlands. Simultaneously, there was a substantial spontaneous offer of assistance from our society to provide temporary shelter to these individuals. In March 2022, the initiatives of the four organizations were brought together under the name RefugeeHomeNL at the recommendation of the ministry. After several months of preparation and testing, the project was launched nationwide in the Netherlands from June 2022.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide assistance in finding independent housing for your guest. Housing and accommodation outside of our project are the responsibility of the guests themselves. We encourage you to contact your municipality for help and information.
RefugeeHomeNL is a consortium formed by four organizations, established at the initiative of the Ministry of Justice and Security. The Dutch Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Vluchtelingenwerk (Dutch Council for Refugees), and the Takecarebnb Foundation collaborate within RefugeeHomeNL with the aim of coordinating and facilitating a safe, sustainable, and humane form of private accommodation for Ukrainian displaced individuals. We bring together the needs of Ukrainian refugees with the spontaneous assistance offered by Dutch host families, providing support to both guests and host families to ensure a pleasant and secure stay. The project started in March 2022. On December 31st 2023 RefugeeHomeNL has ended.
We often hear from host families that they find it challenging to end the period of cohabitation. There is (still) little perspective for the Ukrainian displaced individuals, and much remains uncertain. Sometimes, cohabitation continues despite little enthusiasm for it, mainly due to this uncertainty. Private shelter is always a temporary solution. Additionally, your guest retains the right to shelter. Hence, nobody will be left on the streets. Providing accommodation against your will is not a good idea. Therefore, we strongly advise against it. We urge you to get in touch with your municipality to discuss possible solutions.
Certainly, if both the guest and the host family are comfortable with it! The Temporary Protection Directive is in force until March 4, 2025 and refugees from Ukraine remain the right to get shelter, work, education and medical care in all EU member states.
We expect every guest to behave as a good guest. They should work together with their host family to establish rules and agreements and adhere to them. It’s therefore helpful to put rules and agreements in writing and regularly discuss them. If you’re unable to resolve issues together, or if you suspect that your hospitality is being abused, or if you have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your municipality or the Red Cross WhatsApp Helpline.
Contactformulier EN 2.00
"*" indicates required fields