Lessons from Private Hosting: From Emergency to Preparedness for Future Welcoming Initiatives
“I wasn’t alone…sometimes she cooked dinner, sometimes we went shopping together or one bought a thing or two for the other, we shared things. Together we supported and helped each other,” says a host from Poland who welcomed a family fleeing Ukraine following the escalation of conflict with Russia in February 2022.
Across Europe, thousands have opened their homes to displaced persons, showcasing solidarity through mutual aid and cooperation. To support hosts and understand the challenges of private hosting, the Safe Homes programme was launched in March 2023 with nine National Red Cross Societies and the IFRC. This initiative aimed to facilitate matching, safeguarding, and nurturing relationships between hosts and guests, reflecting on good practices and lessons learned.
Elżbieta Mirga-Wójtowicz participated in the second panel discussing the importance of building lasting partnerships. The panel highlighted that no institution can address all aspects of newcomer reception alone, especially during emergencies. Partnerships are essential to bridge gaps between public authorities and hosts.
Panelists emphasized the need for evolving partnerships and scalable IT infrastructure to adapt to changing needs. They also called for expanding welcoming initiatives to people with different migration statuses and for authorities to show a collective commitment to protect all in need. Learning from the Safe Homes programme can inspire future policies ensuring dignified reception and integration of newcomers.
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