You can become a host if you have the will for equal and safe cohabitation and space in your home that you can offer to the guest free of charge. Everything else will fall into place when things are planned and agreed upon.
Our website has plenty of information, but here are some points on what is needed for successful home accommodation. These matters are negotiable – as situations and arrangements can vary.
Enough space for privacy
All parties involved in hosting have the right to privacy. It is good to arrange spaces so that the result is shared everyday life with enough privacy and personal space. The host is not obliged to assist the guest with official processes, job or study searches, or other practical matters. Some hosts have done this, but the decision is personal. Similarly, the guest is not obliged to share personal matters, such as their asylum process, with the host.
Consideration
Becoming a host should be carefully considered. Familiarizing yourself with our hosting guide helps to understand what hosting entails and what should be agreed upon in advance with the guest.
We recommend those considering hosting to participate in training that covers the essential basics of hosting. The next training will be held on Wednesday, March 26th.
You can register for it here.
Striving for equality
According to our principles, the relationship in hosting is not between a helper and the helped. The host is in a certain position of power relative to the guest, who has moved to the country seeking protection, is in the middle of the process, and does not yet know Finnish society. It is good to think about this in advance and consider how to make the relationship as equal as possible. The host can, of course, define how things are done in their home, and we recommend agreeing on practical matters together before the hosting begins. It is good to discuss shared everyday life openly.
Ability to understand and respect people in vulnerable position
People seeking protection have had to flee their home countries and often have experienced traumatic events. It is particularly important for them to be themselves and feel safe in the accommodation. Many of those seeking hosting belong to sexual or gender minorities, making them particularly vulnerable.
Understanding that hosting must be free of charge
No compensation is paid to the host. If the guest has income or wealth, it can be agreed in some cases that they participate in additional costs arising from living. For example, it can be agreed that the guest pays part of the electricity and water bills. According to Kela, hosting an asylum seeker does not affect the general housing allowance of the household receiving the allowance if the hosting lasts no more than six months.
Ability to communicate with the guest
For example, a common spoken language, translation software, or body language. During the hosting, you also learn the language from each other.
Why become a host?
It:
– is a very concrete way to support people seeking international protection in Finland
– shows people who have fled their home countries that even though borders are closed, no one can forcibly keep home doors shut
– is, of course, a visible act of solidarity
– also offers the host new experiences, acquaintances, knowledge, and skills. Many hosting parties have formed long and significant friendships with each other
Picture: Outi Neuvonen