Young couple donate their house to homeless refugees

Matthew and Steph (image M&S Neville/ICN)

Pope Francis recently suggested European Christians could show solidarity with those fleeing violence and persecution by each church making a commitment to offer one house to those seeking refuge. A young couple in Birmingham, Steph and Matthew Neville, who were saving up for a house for themselves, have responded to this call, by buying one for refugees instead.

Steph, who is an ESOL co-ordinator and Matthew who works for CAFOD, are now also raising funds to contribute to the costs of supporting the residents and make sure the bills can be paid.

A local charity, Hope Projects, which provides housing, financial support and legal advice to people left homeless and destitute by the UK asylum system, is acting as custodian of the house.

Steph told ICN: "Matthew and I already live in a small ecumenical ecumenical community with accommodation provided by a church so we realised we didn't need a house of our own."

Steph and Matthew are both involved in the Taize movement and looking forward to next year's Taize festival in Birmingham. The idea of giving the house came to them as they were both volunteering with refugees at St Chads and learnt at first hand the plight of refugees.

Steph said: "We feel very privileged to have met some of those who have come to the UK after escaping unimaginable horrors in their own countries. We have heard of terrible hardship but also of great resilience and hope. We are often deeply troubled by attitudes and policies which demonise and exclude those who have already lived through so much.

As we are in the position to be able to do something to help, this feels like the right thing to do: not only for the practical support it will offer, but also to send a message saying to them 'you are welcome here'"

Steph said they don't want publicity for themselves, but said: "If it can raise awareness of the plight of refugees we;re happy to tell people about this."

Phil Davis, Head of Hope Projects, said: "This truly is the greatest Christmas present. No-one should be homeless on our streets and this Christmas, thanks to the Steph and Matthew Neville's generosity, a few fewer will be. It's a scandal that people who have come seeking our protection are treated in this way. It shouldn't be up to British people to do the Home Office's job for them.

"Hope Projects helps people sort out these problems, but how can you do that if they have literally nowhere to live? This house will be a lifeline to some of our most vulnerable people."

Not everyone could afford to buy a house for destitute refugees, but if you'd like to make a donation, or find out more about Hope Projects see: www.hope-projects.org.uk/about-hope-projects

Read more about Carrs Lane Ecumenical Community where Steph and Matthew live, here: www.carrslanelivedcommunity.org.uk