At affordablehousingaction.org, we often read that experience of homelessness should guide policy and program design. The article linked to this post delivers advice for the UK’s refugee system, based on that particular kind of homelessness experience.
Aso Mohammadi and Holly Rooke collaborated to the write the linked article. Both are based in Sheffield, England. Rooke knows about the refugee system based on her experience as a service provider to refugees as well as being a vocal advocate for better treatment1.
Mohammadi’s knowledge comes from direct experience of making a claim for, and subsequently being granted, refugee status. That official ‘piece of paper’ legitimized Mohammadi’s journey to the UK. It should also relieve the painful uncertainty that went with waiting for a decision.
We know about the poor treatment of refugees from media stories about flights to Rwanda and jail-like conditions on the Bibby Stockholm, a floating refugee detainment center. Mohammadi and Rooke are not playing down the the trials of waiting to be legally officially accepted into Great Britain, but they also want us to know about what happens after refugee status is granted. They are concerned about the rocketing numbers of refugees who are sleeping rough. Their article sounds an alarm to all who care to read it:
“we both share a conviction that this disregard for the housing needs of refugees is part of the government’s general hostility towards people seeking sanctuary here in the UK. This hostility doesn’t end even when people receive a positive decision on their claim.”
Mohammadi and Rooke recommend some practical changes, which would reduce the stress for the refugees and on the local refugee support system. The authors also sketch out a more welcoming system, while expressing doubt that it could be achieved in the current political climate.
These observations, based on knowledge and personal experience, deserve attention in the United Kingdom. The details may not apply in other jurisdictions, but the article stands as a timely reminder of the value of advice that is based on experience.
Read more at the UK Collaborative Centre on Housing Evidence: Home And Homelessness In The Hostile Environment: A View From Sheffield
