The Projects
Refused Asylum Seekers - the Need
It is estimated that there are several hundred men and women in Leeds and Bradford who have been made destitute because they have been refused asylum. Many of these individuals cannot reasonably return to their country of origin because of persecution and insecurity. They are stuck in the UK without the right to work or to housing: They are destitute.
Abigail's Response
The Abigail Housing Destitution Projct provides housing, food and support to people in this situation. Two shared houses in Bradford provide a home to those who would otherwise be living on the streets.
New Refugees - the Need
When asylum applicants receive leave to remain in the UK they are often given just 28 days to vacate their Home Office accommodation and find somewhere else to live. They get no preferential treatment regarding the allocation of social housing and have to join housing waiting lists like everybody else. However, the notice period is almost always too short for them to find alternative housing, so they inevitably have to suffer a period of homelessness. Life on the streets is dangerous, especially for women and children, and makes it impossible for refugees to work and get established in the community.
Abigail's Response
The Refugee Housing Project provides temporary accommodation for new refugees, to help bridge the gap between Home Office support and a successful application for social housing.
Abigail Housing aims to encourage more housing providers to work with refugees, and is experienced working with registered social landlords and private landlords. Abigail can operate as managing agents, arranging introductions between landlords and refugees.