I'm fundraising for One Roof Leicester. Your donations will help us ot support more people like Asima:
'I am 21 year old Muslim, I fled my country of origin with my brother, claiming asylum in the UK. Our asylum claims were assessed separately so I was given Home Office accommodation in Leicester, hundreds of miles from my brother, effectively cutting me off from the only person I know and feel safe with. In November 2023 I received a positive asylum decision, and given 7 days’ notice to vacate the accommodation. I approached Leicester City Council for assistance but I was assessed as not priority therefore told to find my own private rented accommodation. I no income, no savings and had no idea how to find accommodation. I went to British Red Cross Refugee service for help, who referred me to One Roof. They had no vacancies in their houses but because it was winter they put me in a B&B. Two weeks later they moved me into one of their shared houses. Betty, my support worker sorted out my benefits but during the time I had no money they gave me a weekly subsistence payment, toiletries and food. Betty submitted a housing application and showed mehow to bid for properties.
After a few months of bidding, I was offered a Housing Association bedsit. Betty came with me to see the flat and made sure I was happy with the flat and the local area. She helped me with managing my money and how to pay bills. As I had very little income One Roof paid the first week’s rent, paid for carpets, bought me a fridge freezer, cooker etc, and fully furnished the flat, creating my new home. I am so grateful for all their help. I'm now at college and hoping to see my brother soon.'
