Supporting refugees through the Retreat Housing model

Commonweal Housing is collaborating with HAPANI - Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland - to deliver the Retreat Housing. This model aims to provide stable accommodation and support to refugees and asylum seekers from the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan) who reside in Belfast.

We spoke with Suleiman Abdulahi, Founder and Director of HAPANI, to understand the challenges that refugees face and how their project aims to improve these outcomes. This interview is featured in Commonweal's latest annual review, entitled Building Together, which can be read here.

Since HAPANI was founded in 2011, how has the landscape for refugees in Northern Ireland changed? 

The landscape has evolved significantly. We have seen rising numbers of asylum seekers, increasing housing pressures, and a greater recognition of integration challenges. Refugees now face heightened difficulties securing housing, employment, and achieving social integration. 

The recent rise in hate crimes and anti-immigration protests demonstrate a growing hostility towards migrants, impacting both their safety and ability to integrate successfully into local communities. In 2024, 1,777 racist hate crime incidents were reported, with racially motivated crimes rising by 33%. 

In August 2024, Belfast saw violent anti-immigration and anti-Muslim protests that had a profound impact on refugees. Demonstrators clashed with anti-racism counter-protesters near Belfast City Hall, leading to significant police intervention. In response, 15,000 people attended an anti-racism rally in Belfast, demonstrating public support for refugee communities. These protests have deepened the challenges facing refugees, making housing security, safety, and social inclusion even more urgent.  

Since its founding, HAPANI has played a crucial role in advocating for refugees, promoting community-led solutions, and working to ensure stable housing and support systems for newcomers. In recent years, HAPANI has been a public voice in civic society and the media in Northern Ireland, speaking out and advocating for refugees in this challenging context.  

What are the biggest housing challenges facing refugees in Northern Ireland? 

Northern Ireland has a severe shortage of social and private rental housing. Refugees face long waiting lists for social housing, as priority is often given to those already on the housing list before their arrival.  

Additionally, private rental rates have increased significantly, making it nearly impossible for many refugees – who often rely on low incomes or benefits – to afford decent housing. 

Refugees are required to leave asylum accommodation within 56 days (previously only 28) of receiving their status. Many are forced into temporary housing, hostels, or sofa-surfing. Those who lack personal connections or local support networks are particularly vulnerable to long-term homelessness. 

Other housing challenges include:  

Landlord discrimination 

Refugees often face racism and discrimination from landlords, making it harder to secure housing even when they can afford it. Some landlords have become hesitant to rent to refugees, fearing backlash from local communities

Negative nedia narratives  

Negative media narratives and anti-immigration sentiments (especially following the August 2024 anti-immigration protests in Belfast) have increased hostility towards refugees, affecting their ability to find stable housing. 

Language and bureaucratic barriers 

Refugees often struggle to navigate the housing system due to language barriers and a lack of knowledge about tenant rights, tenancy agreements, guarantor and deposit schemes, or how to challenge unfair evictions. 

Limited housing support and benefits delays 

Many refugees rely on Universal Credit and Housing Benefit but delays in processing these payments can leave them in financial limbo, unable to pay deposits or rent on time. Even when housing support is available, not all landlords accept tenants on benefits, often pushing refugees towards poor-quality, unregulated housing. 

Poor housing conditions and overcrowding 

Refugees often end up in overcrowded, poor-quality housing with issues such as damp, inadequate heating, or unsafe living conditions, leading to poor health and well-being. Additionally, refugee families often struggle to find homes that accommodate larger households, forcing them into overcrowded flats. 

Isolation and lack of community housing options

Refugees are often placed in areas with little diversity, leading to social isolation and increased risk of hate crimes, particularly in locations where refugees are housed without strong community support.  

There are no other refugee-led housing initiatives, beyond HAPANI’s Retreat Housing Strategy, creating supportive environments where refugees can integrate more effectively. 

How does a lack of stable and affordable housing affect newcomers? 

Housing insecurity causes significant stress, anxiety, and depression among refugees, exacerbating trauma and making it harder to rebuild their lives.  

Without a fixed address, many struggle to access employment, as landlords often require proof of stable income and employers may be reluctant to employ those without settled accommodation. Many refugees with professional qualifications face difficulties securing jobs in their field due to housing instability, which prevents them from completing training, securing childcare, or maintaining consistent employment. 

The housing shortages force some refugees into unsafe or exploitative rental agreements, including unregulated, overcrowded, or substandard housing. Some fall victim to unscrupulous landlords who exploit their lack of knowledge about tenancy rights.  

Stable and secure housing is a crucial factor in refugee integration, enabling individuals to participate in community life, find work, and contribute positively to society. 

What support will be available to clients through the project? 

Alongside providing affordable, safe housing, our Retreat Housing project will provide comprehensive integration support, including: 

• Signposting to access mental health services and medical care. 

• Help to maintain tenancies and navigate benefits support. 

• Connecting individuals with job training programmes and employment support to help them become financially independent.  

• Supporting skills development, including language training. 

• Connecting refugees with local groups to foster inclusion and belonging. 

How does community-led housing support refugee integration? 

 Community-led housing is a powerful new tool for refugee integration, providing long-term solutions to housing instability. By involving refugees with lived experience in the leadership and delivery of the projects, it provides safe, stable, and culturally appropriate homes for them.  

This housing model aims to help combat social isolation through peer support, helping newcomers build friendships. Refugees in such schemes are more likely to gain employment, contribute economically, and integrate socially than those in unstable or temporary housing. There is a conscious desire to promote positive relationships with long-term residents, ensuring refugees are seen as contributors to society - rather than burdens.  

Community-led housing initiatives can work alongside local councils, housing associations, and refugee advocacy groups to push for better housing policies. HAPANI uses its connections, case studies and expertise to challenge discriminatory practices, improve access to social housing, and ensure refugee voices are heard in housing policy discussions.