frequently asked questions
Are you a charity?
Yes, Kairos Housing is a registered CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). As a CIO, we are regulated by the Charity Commission, ensuring we meet all legal requirements and uphold the highest standards in our work. Our mission is to provide housing and support to asylum seekers and refugees who are at risk of homelessness, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to rebuild their lives.
I’m a landlord. Do you manage property?
Kairos Housing does not currently offer property management services. However, if you are a landlord interested in providing accommodation for asylum seekers or refugees, please get in touch with us. We are always looking for suitable properties to expand our provision and can discuss potential partnerships.
How long can someone stay at Kairos Housing?
The length of stay at Kairos Housing varies. Accommodation is always temporary, typically for between six month to one year.
How much does it cost to stay at Kairos Housing?
Accommodation and support costs for asylum seekers with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is covered by Kairos Housing. For refugees, accommodation and support costs are covered by Housing Benefit, with guests contributing a weekly 'top-up' towards power, water, WiFi, Council Tax and TV licence costs.
How can I get involved with or support Kairos Housing?
We welcome volunteers, supporters and donations to help us continue providing vital services. If you're interested in getting involved or supporting our work, please check out our 'Get Involved' page. Your contribution helps us provide safety, stability, and hope to those who need it most.
Do you accept referrals from outside of Blackburn with Darwen?
No. We can only accept referrals for individuals with a local connection to Blackburn with Darwen. Our provision is limited and over-subscribed, so we are unable to accept referrals from outside this area. You can find other projects like us operating across the UK here.
Will you come and do a talk or awareness raising session at my group?
Yes, we are happy to arrange talks or awareness-raising sessions for community groups, churches, schools and organisations interested in learning more about our work. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and schedule a session.
How are you funded?
Kairos Housing is funded through a mix of grants, donations and Housing Benefit contributions. We are a registered charity, and we rely on the support of individuals, community groups and organisations to help us continue providing accommodation and support to those in need.
How did Kairos Housing start?
Kairos Housing was founded in 2021 in response to the growing need for safe, supported accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees in Blackburn with Darwen. We began as a small, volunteer-driven initiative with the goal of providing not just a place to stay, but a foundation for stability, hope, and a path forward for those at risk of homelessness.
A generous landlord offered the use of several properties to get us started, covering the bills for a period of time to help get things off the ground. Initially, Kairos Housing was just a team of passionate volunteers who dedicated their time and skills to clean, renovate and furnish these properties to make them suitable for guests. Their hard work and commitment formed the core of our early efforts, and we’re incredibly grateful to those volunteers who laid the groundwork for what Kairos Housing is today.
Our work grew from this community effort, and today, Kairos Housing continues to expand, supported by a growing team of staff, volunteers, and partners, all committed to offering safe, compassionate accommodation and vital resources to those in need.
A generous landlord offered the use of several properties to get us started, covering the bills for a period of time to help get things off the ground. Initially, Kairos Housing was just a team of passionate volunteers who dedicated their time and skills to clean, renovate and furnish these properties to make them suitable for guests. Their hard work and commitment formed the core of our early efforts, and we’re incredibly grateful to those volunteers who laid the groundwork for what Kairos Housing is today.
Our work grew from this community effort, and today, Kairos Housing continues to expand, supported by a growing team of staff, volunteers, and partners, all committed to offering safe, compassionate accommodation and vital resources to those in need.
How does being a faith-based charity affect your work?
At Kairos Housing, our Christian faith motivates and shapes our work. We aim to offer the highest standard of care and are committed to serving others with love, compassion and integrity and this guides our approach to supporting asylum seekers and refugees. We do not seek to convert or impose religious views on those we serve. We offer prayer if requested, but there is no pressure or expectation. Our primary focus is on providing a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate in who we support. We provide housing and support to individuals of all backgrounds, identities, faiths, genders, sexual orientations and abilities. We offer a radically welcoming, affirming and supportive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and care.
Where can I find out more about the UK asylum process?
If you want to learn more about the asylum process, it's important to be cautious about information in the media—there's a lot of misinformation out there. Always check reliable sources and do your own research. A great place to start is the Refugee Council, which provides clear and factual information: The Truth About Asylum – Refugee Council
