Homes for Ukraine is a sponsorship scheme set up by the UK Government. It has been running since March 2022 and in that time, over 300 Ukrainians have been welcomed to the Isle of Wight under this scheme.

Community Action IW is the first point of contact for any questions around the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, we have a team dedicated to supporting you during your time as a host and offer support to your guest with any concerns or needs they may have. This includes ongoing support and advice around employment, education and housing needs. You will not be left alone – we are here to guide you through the process for as long as you are hosting.

We are currently focusing on looking for new accommodation for Ukrainians living here on the Isle of Wight. This is known as rematching.

There are advantages to this option, as the guest has usually settled in and is familiar with life on the Island. Wherever possible, a meeting with the guest prior to their arrival can be arranged before you make any commitments.

We are particularly keen to hear from potential hosts who could offer accommodation close to community amenities such as schools, shops and good public transport links but we are open to any offers of accommodation, whether it is a room in your own home, an annexe or independent accommodation for an individual or a family.

In return for hosting, you will receive a ‘thank you’ payment. This is £500 per month until 31 March 2026.

You can register by signing up here: Homes for Ukraine: record your interest – GOV.UK

You can also contact us on ukraine@actioniw.org.uk or phone 01983 539374

You must be able to meet these minimum requirements:

You must:

• Be over 18
• Be a British citizen in the UK or have indefinite leave to remain
• Be able to provide accommodation for a minimum of 6 months
• Undertake DBS checks for all members of the household over the age of 16
• Make sure that all adults in the host household meet suitability requirements
• Undergo a housing check to ensure the accommodation meets basic minimum criteria
• If you are hosting a close family member, you may not be eligible for the ‘thank you’ payment

For a full list of eligibility criteria click here

Once you have matched with a guest, our team will visit you to talk through being a host and also visit your guest when they arrive.

If you have any questions or would like to have an informal conversation about hosting, please contact us on ukraine@actioniw.org.uk or phone 01983 539374

You may decide that you wish to host someone directly from Ukraine. There is advice on the gov.uk website on how to do this or alternatively, do get in touch with us for more information.

You can find out more on becoming a host here

We are interested in hearing from landlords who can rent a room or an entire property on a private rental agreement may be an option to consider. Eligibility criteria and registration would not apply in the same way as hosting, although a rental agreement would need to be entered into.