The Kairos Impact: Evidence of Hope & Sanctuary

​At Kairos Housing, we believe that true support goes beyond providing a roof overhead; it is about building a community where individuals feel seen, safe, and valued. But don't just take our word for it.

On this page, you will find independent research and direct feedback that capture the lived reality of our residents. Featuring a 2024 study by Dr. Sharon Xuereb (The Open University) and our latest 2025 Interim Progress Report, these findings highlight the critical difference the Kairos Housing makes in a fractured housing system.

From the transformative power of a family-like atmosphere to the practical successes of our Independent Living & Wellbeing Programme, the reports and case studies and testimonials from the people we support document how radical hope is helping refugees and asylum seekers rebuild their lives.

Residents’ experience of supported accommodation at Kairos Housing
​by Dr Sharon Xuereb, May 2024.

​Independent Findings by The Open University (May 2024)

This 2024 study by Dr. Sharon Xuereb explored the lived experiences of refugees and asylum seekers supported by Kairos Housing. Through focus groups and interviews, the report identifies the unique value of the Kairos model compared to the wider housing system.
1. The Critical Need

• A Decimated System: Residents are acutely aware of the UK’s social housing shortage.
• Inappropriate Alternatives: Without Kairos, many would be forced into hostels. Residents described these environments as unsafe and inappropriate, often housing individuals with complex behavioral or substance abuse needs—challenges the refugee residents do not share.
• Impact on Wellbeing: Housing precarity was identified as a major stressor, with instability taking a severe negative toll on mental health.

2. The Kairos Difference: Sanctuary & Family

• Beyond Housing: Residents feel 'seen, loved, and respected' by staff, which restores their sense of self-worth.
• A Family Atmosphere: The most significant finding was the sense of community. Residents described the house as 'like a big family,' supporting one another emotionally and practically 'like brothers'.
• Active Advocacy: Staff support is described as 'exceptional'. Rather than just signposting, staff actively assist with GP registration, college enrolment, and job hunting, helping residents navigate complex systems.

3. Outcomes: Agency & Integration

• Safety & Autonomy: Kairos provides a "safe place" that fosters autonomy, allowing residents to live without anxiety and make their own decisions.
• Radical Hope: The stability provided allows residents to move beyond survival mode and plan for the future.
• Integration: Residents are eager to work and contribute to British society. Shared living at Kairos helps build English language skills and social resilience.

In Their Own Words
"This is a miracle ... very unique... it gives people hope and hope is everything in this immigration system." — A
"We are not real brothers, but feeling like brothers with each other." — H
"If you speak with people, you don't have stress... Family means do you think about each other." — Y

Conclusion
When asked to imagine life without Kairos, the response was unanimous: residents believed they would be homeless or in 'chaos'. The report concludes that Kairos acts as a vital platform, providing the psychological safety necessary for residents to rebuild their lives.​

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​Kairos Housing Independent Living & Wellbeing Programme: Interim Progress Report (Sept - Nov 2025)

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In Their Own Words

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I am very happy to live in Kairos. You have always helped me.  I think everyone [should] love Kairos because Kairos is always at the forefront of  assistance for Asylum Seekers and Refugees.  Thank you Kairos

Kairos has really supported me.  It has helped me a lot and has created security and peace for me. I am very happy and feel good that I have a place in the Kairos family.   I am really grateful for all the support, help and kindness Kairos has given me, and I am extremely grateful to those who work hard in Kairos to support and love us.

Kairos is synonymous with family for me.  With Kairos, I am not afraid of being alone.  If I want to describe Kairos in a few words: HOME, Family, and calmness.

My experience living in Kairos supported accommodation has been positive for me. I have always believed that the immigration system in the UK has been designed to make it difficult for some asylum-seekers not to have a second chance whilst they’re trying to gather more evidence to support their case. And having a place to live while doing that can be hard, and Kairos has given chance to so many people and I can see the impact of that amongst the people I speak to on a daily basis. I really hope that Kairos continues to be that beacon of hope and light for the most vulnerable.

I'm here with my family. When we first arrived in Blackburn we didn't know anyone.  We had the opportunity to get to know Kairos and since then we are attending every Friday. It's a safe space to talk.  Since the day that we were introduced to Kairos my family had the chance to meet new people, have a safe space to gather and talk about issues and problems. One of the best thing about Kairos is that the Hub's door is always open and if you need help there is always someone there to help. Overall great place.  My parents don't feel lonely anymore and we love it!

You helped me a lot and I appreciate it...I will never forget your kindness to me.