The A Just Australia campaign is managed by the Refugee Council of Australia. The core mission of the campaign is to campaign for positive changes to government policy on refugee and asylum seekers. By working together with prominent Australians and community groups and thousands of concerned individuals, A Just Australia aims to achieve just and compassionate treatment of refugees, consistent with the human rights standards which Australia has developed and endorsed.
2 April 2012Help host asylum seekers through Homestay
The Government’s decision to issue asylum seekers with bridging visas to live in the community while their claims are being assessed is a reform we’ve waited a long time to see.
The community sector is working hard to make these new arrangements a success. If you have a spare room in your house, here’s your chance to help.
Anyone willing to host an asylum seeker in their home for a six-week period can now register with the Australian Homestay Network (AHN).
The AHN will provide all approved hosts with information, training, insurance and support services throughout their involvement with the AHN.
Anticipated costs to the host in providing accommodation will be reimbursed by the AHN.
This is a great initiative to complement the Australian Red Cross in its search for short-term accommodation support to eligible asylum seekers coming out of detention.
How you can help
- Register with www.homestaynetwork.org/cpn
- Call the AHN on 1300 697 829
- Other volunteering opportunities can be explored through this link: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/getinvolved/volunteer.php
Further reading
Community Assistance Support Program
http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/64community-assistance.htm
Australian Red Cross involvement in assisting asylum seekers
http://www.redcross.org.au/community-assistance-support.aspx