A Resource for Host Communities & Guests
Moves are happening all around the country as the government consolidates accommodation arrangements for displaced Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs). Unfortunately, this means people will be moved from areas in which they’ve found jobs, school places and begun to establish roots while in temporary state provided accommodation.
Accommodation Options for affected displaced Ukrainian BOTPs
Accept Onward Accommodation Offered Accept the new accommodation provided as part of the government’s arrangement. Details will be provided 48 hours in advance of final moves and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY) makes best efforts to keep people close to their original accommodation. You can always look for different options after the move, but if you refuse now then you won’t be entitled to any government accommodation in the future.
Seek Accommodation on the Open Market Explore renting on the open market and utilise available rent allowances. We’ve put together this guide in Ukrainian with all the info.
Request Host / Pledged Accommodation People all over Ireland have pledged rooms in their own homes and properties for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. It’s not for everyone, you will have to pay bills and there’s not lots of it available, but it’s a great option for some. Learn more about what’s involved here. Ukrainians interested in finding out about being hosted in an Irish home, can visit our dedicated Ukrainian website to learn more and apply.
What communities can do
Share this Info With People Affected in Your Area Share our guide to Looking for Accommodation and introduction videos, available in Ukrainian and English, here.
Mobilise Local Pledges of Accommodation Encourage your local community to pledge accommodation. All the information about pledging accommodation, including the HIH Pledge Form, is on our website: www.helpingirishhosts.com. Our team responds to all offers within 48 hours.
Read Sheila and Tony’s story about helping their guests to move on after 18 months and find new pledged accommodation within the community they’d integrated into.
Request an Info Session The HIH team can meet - online or in real life - with those affected in your local community to discuss accommodation options. Contact us to schedule a session: gavin@helpingirishhosts.com
Contact your Local Authority Integration Team Reach out to your Local Authority Integration Team, who may be able to assist with accommodation options or other supports. Google who’s who, where, here.
Communicate with Local Officials Write to your local councillors and political party representatives to express your concerns and seek their support. Include / cc your Local Authority Integration Team in any communication you have with local officials. It’s always worth making your voice heard.
Word to the wise based on our experience....
When moves are underway, emotions understandably run high - displaced people affected face more stress and uncertainty and communities may not want to lose new friends. Through all of it, it’s essential to prioritise the well-being of the displaced person. In some cases, remaining within the state system is in their best interest, wherever they land.
While we as welcoming communities may feel frustrated about how moves are conducted, due to DCEDIY's confidentiality restrictions, host communities are unlikely to be informed about individual movements. This confidentiality is required to protect the privacy, security, and best interests of BOTPs during their transitional period.
Keeping in touch with people, staying connected through text, phone calls, or in-person is a practical way to support people at every stage of their journey, just as you would with a friend.
Additional Support Advice
Irish Refugee Council Ukrainian helpline: +353 (1) 913 1528 (10 - 1 pm, Mon - Fri)
Irish Red Cross Migration Team: 1800 753343 registerofpledges@redcross.ie
Psychological Support Service
Contact Us
HIH Support Line: 01 691 7005
This guide offers clear, actionable steps for navigating a local hotel move, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing disruptions. Highly recommended!
https://roomiapp.com/