Can I host refugees in my home?

What is called a "refugee"?

A refugee is a person who flees their country because their life is in danger. This person may be threatened for different reasons, such as divergent political opinion or war. Not to be confused with a migrant. A migrant is a person who moves and changes countries for reasons different from those of a refugee. These reasons are not included in the legal definition of what a refugee is. 

For example, consider the effects of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine which saw Ukrainians flee the war and their country. They took refuge in other countries including France.

The refugee status is recognized by Ofpra in application of Article 1A2 of the Geneva Convention of July 28, 1951. It states that:

“The term refugee applies to any person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.”

Article 1A2 of the Geneva Convention of July 28, 1951

Persons recognized as refugees are placed under the legal and administrative protection of Ofpra; they are entitled to benefit from a residence permit valid for 10 years in application of Article L.424-1 of the Ceseda.

How to help refugees?

TOITCHEZMOI helps refugees find housing in France through its platform. It is the French leader in housing in exchange for services.

If TOITCHEZMOI’s primary role is to connect Hosts who have a room available and a need for services. They offer services for themselves or their relatives (math tutoring, school support, babysitting, small jobs, etc.). They connect these Hosts with supportive Cohabitants who have skills to exchange for housing.

The platform is committed to helping provide solutions to shelter people. These solutions are necessary to escape threats due to war. For example, this was done with Ukrainian refugees. You can learn more with this excerpt from the France 2 show "Ça commence aujourd’hui".

By registering on TOITCHEZMOI as a Host, you can therefore participate in helping families fleeing their country by offering your accommodation on the platform.

Be sure to respect the hosting rules: property, good mood, respect for others’ lifestyle.

You can also specify dates in your offer. For example, you can write: “We offer a room to accommodate a single person or a couple for 3 months.”

Additional info

Indeed, for refugees who wish to be hosted free of charge by one of our Hosts, they just need to contact their embassy or consulate.

Let’s be supportive, let’s help each other.