Home for Ukraine seeking help in Kensington & Chelsea

Homes for Ukraine is a sponsorship scheme set up by the Government in March 2022 that allows people in the UK to offer Ukrainians fleeing the war a home. The council is encouraging Kensington and Chelsea residents to become a host for a Ukrainian guest. You can take part if you meet the eligibility criteria and can provide rent-free accommodation for a minimum of six months for a Ukrainian refugee – this could be a spare room in your home or any other type of suitable accommodation.

Hosts can receive a thank you payment of £350 a month during the first 12 months of their guests’ stay. This increases to £500 once the guest has been living with you for 12 months, in order to support hosts who are able to continue hosting for longer. Kensington and Chelsea Council also has a dedicated team to support you during your time as a host and offer support to your guest with any concerns or needs they may have. This includes ongoing support and advice around employment, education, and housing needs.

Once you have been matched with a guest, the team will visit you to talk through being a host and also visit your guest when they arrive.

Hosts must be over the age of 18, be a British citizen in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain, provide a valid ID – for example, a UK Passport or Biometric Residence Permit, and be able to provide accommodation for a period of at least six months in the UK.

You can find out more on becoming a sponsor and sign up via gov.uk

If you have any questions or would like to have an informal conversation about hosting, please email the Kensington and Chelsea Homes for Ukraine team on nrpfandrefugees@rbkc.gov.uk