The sheer volume of destitute asylum seekers in the North West is cause for a sharp intake of breath, but the BOAZhosting project provides people with an opportunity to play a significant part in tackling this particular form of homelessness.

Seen Medecin Sans Frontiers workers on the television in Sudan or Somalia? Want to get stuck in while remaining on these shores? Thought about being a BOAZhost?

An under-used spare room becomes a safe haven, a place for a torture victim from the Congo to anchor in the midst of the storm. A seldom-opened sofa-bed in the lounge takes on another dimension as an emergency bunk for an eight-months-pregnant woman from Eritrea who would otherwise take her chances on a park bench in November. Your kitchen becomes a bustling place where an exhausted Ethiopian couple find warmth, encouragement & a bit of dignity as they turn their Red Cross food parcel into an evening meal.

For many, the thought of having a total stranger sharing the house can be quite daunting. Though there will always be cultural misunderstandings (they can be very amusing!) & other problems, these are usually far outweighed by the positives. Some have formed friendships that have continued long after the guest has moved on - & over 70 placements have taken place without a single complaint of theft being registered.

:: Becoming a BOAZhost

BOAZhosts are part of a network that provides guidance & support.

Hosts are checked for their suitability (if children are involved,that will include a CRB check that BOAZ organises on the host’s behalf) & matched with appropriate guests.

The amount of time a guest is hosted for depends on the what the host can offer. One or two nights in an emergency. A week on/week off arrangement as part of a host partnership. Fixed term or open-ended. Every host has something different to add to the mix.

Hosts & guests agree the ground-rules for a placement in advance. The guest might need to leave in the morning when the host does & return at a set time for an evening meal, or perhaps the guest stays in the home during the day. The guest might prepare meals independently, or take turns cooking the main meal, help out with household jobs…

>> Use the response form to find out more about getting involved as a BOAZhost.

You can learn more about supporting destitute asylum seekers as a whole church project here.