Helping Irish Hosts

16/01/2026

Приєднуйтесь до Co.Here!
Нова ініціатива для українців (18+) у графстві Кілдер, щоб відкрити нові можливості для соціальних зв’язків і участі в житті спільноти.

Ми хочемо почути вашу історію, дізнатися про ваші цілі та допомогти знайти можливості, які дійсно підходять саме вам.

Детальніше про проєкт: www.helpingirishhosts.com/co-here

Хочете взяти участь? Зареєструйтеся тут: https://forms.gle/55ZEXmWPZtoRwSZZ9

Ми зв’яжемося з вами, щоб розповісти про проєкт детальніше та дізнатися про ваші інтереси.
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We invite you to join Co.Here — a new initiative for Ukrainians (aged 18+) in County Kildare to create opportunities for inclusion and belonging.

We want to hear your story, understand your goals, and help you find opportunities that truly fit you.

Learn more about the project here: www.helpingirishhosts.com/co-here

Register your interest in participating here: https://forms.gle/55ZEXmWPZtoRwSZZ9

We’ll give you a call to discuss the project in more detail and learn about your goals and interests.



This project is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.

07/05/2025

"IMAGINE IF"- Our Legacy Report Is Here 💛

After 3 transformative years, we're proud to share what we've built together:
3,000+ Ukrainians welcomed into 1,493 Irish homes (sneaked one in since the report got printed…)
€53 million saved in accommodation costs - at a minimum!
20,000+ hours of direct support provided
30% of all national hosting matches facilitated

The numbers tell one story, but we all know the human connections tell another. In kitchens and living rooms across Ireland, ordinary people proved that community-led responses work.

As our formal role in the state pledge programme ends (and with it, our funding), our legacy continues in the relationships formed and lessons learned. 68% of hosts in our network say they'd welcome refugees from other backgrounds with the right support - imagine what that could mean for the 5,600+ people still in Direct Provision.
Thank you to everyone who opened their homes, hearts, and communities over the past three life-changing years. You've shown what's possible when we act, when we do it ourselves and when we support each other. 💚

Read our full "Imagine If" report here- bit.ly/3YZiuov or watch our impact film to see the human stories behind the numbers.

26/03/2025

In a week of big news, we’ve got some of our own. 💛

From the end of April 2025, Helping Irish Hosts (HIH) will no longer be part of the Pledge Programme Consortium as our contract with the Irish Red Cross (IRC) comes to an end. This means we won’t be making matches or providing casework support anymore. The IRC will be taking over those responsibilities.

We’re going back to our roots as a small, volunteer-led effort, keeping our website, Facebook group, and peer-to-peer network running. It’s going to be a much smaller operation, and we’re working hard to keep our busy helpline open, even if only at limited hours.

We’ll keep advocating for a hosting model that supports all hosts, not just those in formal programmes or those hosting people from Ukraine. This advocacy and support will also be available to our Ukrainian community who have shown such trust in HIH over the past three years, we know things are still so uncertain and scary and HIH stands strong in our solidarity with you today and every day.

This news has hit hard for our brilliant team - a dedicated, resilient group who have built something truly special over the past three years. We’re sad, but also incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and the amazing community that has grown from this effort.

The community of hosts, supporters, and guests that has come together is a powerful testament to what’s possible when people step up. It’s this spirit of welcome, learning from and leaning on each other, that has kept so many of us going.

As we move forward, we encourage everyone to stay connected, keep sharing experiences, and continue supporting each other. Hosting in Ireland remains a powerful force for good, and with your support, it always will be.

We know there will be gaps, but we’ll be here however we can. 💙💛

Read our full statement on the HIH website and thank you so much for your support as we all process this news. 👉 https://www.helpingirishhosts.com/post/important-update-hih

25/03/2025

📢📢📢 Important Update: ARP Scheme Extension 📢📢📢

The government has announced its intention to extend the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme for another year, until March 2026. This aligns with the Temporary Protection Directive which runs until that date.

📝 As expected, there's a significant change coming: The monthly ARP payment will be reduced from €800 to €600 starting from June 2025. This decision is intended to balance the scheme's impact on the private rental sector while ensuring continued support for those offering accommodation.

- While the payment reduction will take effect from June 2025, payments will continue as normal until then.

- The change will only apply once approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Helping Irish Hosts will keep you posted on any further developments. Call us if you need to, the support line is open 01 2630360 (Mon - Fri, 10 - 4 pm).

As always, we want to say thank you to our host community for everything you do and to highlight once again the remarkable contribution of all of you who have opened your hearts and homes ❤️

Read the Official update here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/444fe-intention-to-extend-the-accommodation-recognition-payment-scheme/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJPjYNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZjugRNlpz0hET36W4fn5kmKmESWh0hjDZ0QgfvMQxWlSCpwRV92evrHUA_aem_TdapCYfgCacc1VeusDhBBQ

21/03/2025

Worried about the future of the ARP? You're not alone. With potential changes to the ARP on the horizon, we want to empower you with information 🤓. Our new resource (see link below ⤵️) outlines key options and considerations for your hosting situation. Let’s navigate these changes together 💪💙💛

**Please note that no decision on ARP has yet been announced. We understand that the matter will go to cabinet next Tuesday and then to the Dáil for approval on Wednesday 26th March**

As ever please reach out to the Helping Irish Hosts team if you need support on 01-2630360 or [email protected]

For thousands of people all over Ireland, the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) has been a crucial support in enabling them to host displaced Ukrainians. It was introduced as a temporary measure by the state in recognition of the generosity of hosts.

08/03/2025

Leadership isn't about never changing course; it's about staying anchored to your values while adapting to the road ahead.” - https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41585605.html

On this International Women's Day, we celebrate the women in our community who inspire trust, lead with resilience and keep going.

At Helping Irish Hosts, our incredible all-female team achieves this day in, day out with unwavering strength. But we wouldn’t be here without the leadership and companionship of each other and our hosts and guests.

When the full-scale invasion broke out in Ukraine, women (and men) across Ireland opened their homes and hearts to those seeking safety. Leading by example, the path to today wasn’t straightforward. It was about jumping in and navigating uncertainty, the unknown, about listening and lifting each other up. Solidarity for Ukraine led us to where we are today…

“Leadership means walking the road, even when you don’t know exactly where it leads.”

Here's to the women shaping a better tomorrow with courage, integrity, and vision. 🌍💛💙💪

04/03/2025

Last week was a busy one at HIH HQ!

🇺🇦 On Sunday, we joined the crowds in Dublin to mark 3 years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Thank you to Ukrainian Action for organising a powerful and important event in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends and neighbours. We continue to

📊 On Tuesday, we attended the launch of the second Ukraine Pledged Accommodation Host Survey at the Dáil! We’re delighted to have the host voice at the fore of this research and grateful to the 1,600 participants who enlightened us on their experiences, challenges and motivations. The findings reinforce the need for continued support for both hosts and Ukrainian guests. https://buff.ly/4hXgTHu..

❤️ One of our wonderful hosts John from Tipperary shared his hosting story on RTÉ. John felt compelled to host Yulia and Andriy in 2022 when the invasion broke out. He told reporters that he carries this philosophy with him: “I can’t change the world, but I can help maybe one person.” THANK YOU John for everything you do!
https://buff.ly/4kmTK2y

🇮🇪 Thanks to the Ukraine Civil Society Forum for inviting us back to the Dáil on Wednesday to hear statements from each political party on the 3rd Anniversary of the full-scale invasion in Ukraine. Now more than ever, we must all continue to stand with Ukraine, not just in words but in action too.

We won't stop now 💙💛

24/02/2025

Today marks 3 years since the full scale invasion of . We continue to stand together in solidarity with Ukraine. In the face of uncertainty, we choose solidarity over indifference, action over inaction, and compassion over fear.

To all Ukrainians in Ireland: we see you, we stand with you, and we will continue to advocate alongside you and take meaningful action.

This journey is not easy, but together, we will keep pushing forward in the hope of better times to come.

Slava Ukrainii. Heroim Slava!

💙💛

Перед обличчям невизначеності ми обираємо солідарність замість байдужості, дію замість бездіяльності та співчуття замість страху.

До всіх українців в Ірландії: ми вас бачимо, ми з вами, ми будемо продовжувати разом з вами просувати підтримку українців та вживати суттєвих дій.

Цей шлях нелегкий, але разом ми будемо йти вперед у надії, що прийдуть кращі часи.

Слава Україні. Героям Слава!

💙💛

23/02/2025

Over the past three years, thousands of Ukrainians have built lives here in Ireland while carrying the weight of uncertainty - worry for loved ones back home, concern for those here, the challenge of navigating a new country, and the struggle to find stability in an ever-changing landscape.

We’ve come to learn that displacement does not end with arrival; it is an ongoing journey. Securing long-term accommodation, work, education, and a sense of belonging remains a challenge for many.

The Irish people opened their homes and hearts to welcome you, and we at Helping Irish Hosts remain committed to standing beside you - not just in moments of emergency, but for as long as it takes to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to rebuild with dignity and hope.

To hosts in particular, we say: THANK YOU. Your kindness and generosity has changed lives.

💙💛

Протягом останніх трьох років тисячі з вас будували життя тут, в Ірландії, несучи тягар невизначеності – хвилювання за близьких удома, турботу про тих, хто тут, труднощі адаптації в новій країні та боротьбу за стабільність у мінливому ландшафті.

Ми зрозуміли, що переміщення не закінчується з прибуттям, це тривала подорож. Забезпечення довгострокового проживання, роботи, освіти та відчуття причетності залишається проблемою для багатьох.

Ірландці відкрили свої домівки та серця, щоб прийняти вас, і ми в Helping Irish Hosts продовжуємо свою підтримку не лише в моменти надзвичайних ситуацій, але протягом тривалого часу, щоб гарантувати, що кожен має можливість відновитися, віднайти свій шлях із гідністю та надією.

Усім хостам ми говоримо: ДЯКУЄМО. Ваша доброта і щедрість змінили життя.

💙💛

22/02/2025

We extend our ongoing solidarity to all Ukrainians in Ireland who have been displaced by the full-scale invasion. Your resilience, courage, and strength in the face of unimaginable hardship inspire us every day.

Ми не припиняємо висловлювати солідарність з усіма українцями в Ірландії, які прибули сюди внаслідок вторгнення як переміщені особи. Ваша стійкість, мужність і сила перед обличчям неймовірних труднощів надихають нас щодня.

💙💛

18/02/2025

Helping Irish Hosts will be there on Sunday to march in support and solidarity with our Ukrainian community 💙💛

13/02/2025

🚨 Important update for Ukrainians in Ireland under Temporary Protection 🚨

🇮🇪 Ukrainians in Ireland under Temporary Protection MUST apply for renewal if they wish to extend their protection up until 4 March 2026. To apply online, please visit the Irish Immigration Service Online website.

🇺🇦 У вас є тимчасовий захист в Ірландії? Якщо так, то ваш поточний дозвіл дійсний до 4 березня 2025 року. Якщо ви хочете скористатися дозволом до 4 березня 2026 року , вам необхідно подати заяву на його продовження. Дуже важливо заповнити заяву якомога швидше, щоб гарантувати, що ви маєте дійсний дозвіл на тимчасовий захист.

Щоб подати заяву онлайн, будь ласка, відвідайте Irish Immigration Service Online сайт Ірландської імміграційної служби онлайн.

Apply here - https://buff.ly/3EEzQQr