Ayat and Lou, participants of the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP), and CEO Lisa Button, speak with hosts of ABC’s The Conversation Hour.
“It’s been such a rewarding experience as a sponsor but also living with Ayat,” says Lou.
Ayat came to Australia as a refugee and was welcomed by a dedicated group of 5 people who have offered her a soft landing in Melbourne, including a room in Lou’s home. Lou shares that they’ve been able to “make a new friend that I would otherwise not have met”.
Sharing meals, conversations, and networks, Ayat has now been able to secure a room of her own.
“With the help of all of these people around me, it gave me a feeling like I’m settling down, I’m in my home,” says Ayat. “One of our group introduced me to their friends, friends of friends, I spread the word that I need a room and I found student accommodation”.
The conversation around shared housing is particularly relevant during a rental crisis, also but where 13 million homes have a spare room.
“Anyone who’s ever felt they wanted ot help someone settle in Australia, or feels inpsired or concerned about the state of the world when it comes to the global refugee crisis – this is something practical you can do,” says Lisa.
CRSA is currently running a campaign to mobilise 100 community supporter groups in 100 days, in the lead up to World Refugee Day.
“We want this to be something that happens for decades to come”.
Originally aired 20 May 2024, ABC The Conversation Hour.