Emergency Housing for Asylum Seekers: How to Access

Last updated: 30 September 2026

Photo: Mornington House - denisbin

For newly arrived asylum seekers, the most urgent practical need is often a place to sleep. Emergency housing asylum options vary by country but share recurring features — state initial accommodation, NGO crisis shelters, and faith-based or community hosting. This asylum guide sets out how to access emergency housing in the UK, US, Canada, and major EU member states — from arrival through to the longer-term system.[1]

The evidence base draws on the UNHCR Reception Guidelines, the EU Reception Conditions Directive 2013/33/EU, UK Home Office and Migrant Help guidance, USCIS and NGO documentation, IRCC Canada policy, and the AIDA (Asylum Information Database) country reports.

Four Main Pathways

United Kingdom

UK asylum seekers can access state accommodation through the Home Office. The legal basis is Section 98 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 for initial accommodation and Section 95 for longer-term support. The application is made through Migrant Help, the contracted advice service. See our companion article on Section 95 support for asylum seekers in the UK.[2]

United States

The US has no federal emergency housing scheme for asylum seekers. Newly arrived asylum seekers rely on NGOs, faith-based organisations, and community sponsors.[3]

• HIAS — refugee resettlement agency with limited asylum-seeker support.
• USCRI (US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) — community partnerships.
• Catholic Charities — extensive network across US.
• Annunciation House — El Paso shelter network.
• RAICES — Texas-focused but national impact.
• Local "welcoming" cities — NYC, Chicago, Denver have city-level reception programmes (varying status 2024-2025).
• Church Sanctuary — faith-based hosting in many denominations.

Canada

Canada operates a more structured reception system. IRCC provides some support; provincial settlement programmes provide ongoing support. Many refugee claimants stay initially in shelter homes operated by NGOs.[4]

• Romero House (Toronto) — accommodation and support.
• Matthew House (Toronto, Windsor) — refugee shelter network.
• Plateau Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (Montreal) — Quebec network.
• FCJ Refugee Centre (Toronto) — accommodation plus services.
• YMCA reception programmes — various Canadian cities.
• Provincial social assistance — supports housing for refugee claimants after eligibility interview.

EU Member States

The EU Reception Conditions Directive 2013/33/EU Article 17 requires member states to ensure asylum seekers have material reception conditions including housing. Implementation varies.[5]

• Germany — Erstaufnahmeeinrichtungen (initial reception centres) then Gemeinschaftsunterkünfte; Länder system.
• France — CADA (Centre d'accueil pour demandeurs d'asile) and HUDA (Hébergement d'urgence des demandeurs d'asile).
• Netherlands — COA (Centraal Orgaan opvang Asielzoekers) accommodation network.
• Italy — CAS (Centri di accoglienza straordinaria); SAI (former SIPROIMI/SPRAR).
• Spain — CETI in Ceuta/Melilla; SAR programme; CEAR-operated centres.
• Sweden — Migrationsverket asylum accommodation network.
• Greece — RIC (Reception and Identification Centres); ESTIA scheme (reduced 2022).

Vulnerable Categories

Some categories of asylum seekers receive priority for safer accommodation in most systems.[6]

• Unaccompanied minors — typically specialised accommodation under child-protection frameworks.
• Pregnant women — priority for non-hotel accommodation in UK; specific care in EU.
• Torture survivors — should be exempted from large hostel environments.
• Families with children — priority for self-contained units.
• LGBTQ+ asylum seekers — community-led hosting may be safer.
• Persons with disabilities — accessible accommodation required.
• Persons with mental health conditions — supported housing where available.

Emergency housing for asylum seekers is one of the most immediate practical needs and one of the most consequential factors in stability, mental health, and the ability to engage with the legal process. Where state systems are inadequate, NGO and community pathways often fill the gap.
UNHCR Reception Guidelines (2020 update)

Practical Steps on Arrival

1. UK: call Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503 immediately on arrival.
2. US: contact local CLINIC affiliate, HIAS, RAICES, or Catholic Charities.
3. Canada: at port of entry register claim; contact provincial settlement service.
4. EU: register with national asylum authority and access state reception.
5. Community contact — diaspora and faith networks often provide first nights.
6. Family contact — friends or relatives in the destination country.
7. If no other option — emergency shelters, night stop, faith-based hosting.

Conclusion

Emergency housing for asylum seekers is available across major destination countries through four main pathways — state initial accommodation, NGO crisis shelters, faith-based and community hosting, and family-and-friend networks. The relative weight of each pathway varies by country, with the UK having strong state provision and the US relying more on NGO networks.

For asylum seekers, knowing the pathways available in the destination country enables faster access to safe accommodation. For practitioners, signposting clients to appropriate accommodation early supports both the asylum case and overall wellbeing. See our wider asylum-life resources, including Section 95 support, free legal help, and mental health support.