Exploring Synergies Between Private Hosting and Community Sponsorship (+Report)

13 January 2025

Last November, ICMC Europe and the Share Network, , in collaboration with the Red Cross EU Office, hosted an in-person roundtable in Brussels, bringing together over 50 participants from 12 European countries to discuss synergies between private hosting initiatives and community sponsorship schemes. The event fostered dialogue between civil society organisations, policymakers, and housing sector experts, aiming to build more sustainable and inclusive models of welcome.

Key Discussions:
1️⃣ Bridging Integration and Housing: Participants explored partnerships between integration-focused organisations and housing providers to address structural challenges and promote long-term housing solutions.
2️⃣ Adapting Private Hosting Practices: Lessons from initiatives like the Red Cross’ EU Safe Homes programme were shared, highlighting best practices in safeguarding, matching hosts and beneficiaries, and providing ongoing support.
3️⃣ Transitioning to Sustainability: Conversations emphasised the need to shift from emergency responses to sustainable community sponsorship models, ensuring continuity and autonomy for beneficiaries.

Featured Highlights:

• Lessons from Safe Homes: Recommendations included robust social support structures, IT tools for managing data, and collaboration between stakeholders.

• Case Studies Across Europe: Examples like Startblok in Amsterdam and the Athens Housing Collective demonstrated how innovative approaches can address diverse needs.

• Future Pathways: Discussions focused on empowering migrants and refugees through training, capacity-building, and creating structured partnerships.

The roundtable underlined the importance of collective action to strengthen the link between private hosting and community sponsorship, ensuring that newcomers are supported holistically as they rebuild their lives.

Read more about the event and its outcomes in the full report: