Refugee Support at KXC
”The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:34
We believe that every refugee and asylum seeker has unique value in the eyes of God, and at KXC we work to welcome, empower and dignify those in our community who are fleeing persecution. We want to continue to host activities and spaces where they can find community and build friendships.
MID WEEK ACTIVITIES
Refugee Football
We offer free football to male refugees and asylum seekers, connected with a local hotel.
Every Tuesday 8-9pm in Kings Cross.
International Café
Based around games and english conversation this is a space for the KXC community to provide support and build friendships with refugees and people seeking asylum in the local area.
Every Saturday morning from 11am-1:30pm at King’s House, N1 9JY
Women’s Craft and Conversation Evenings
Based around a craft activity, games, tea and coffee, this is a biweekly space for women who are refugees and asylum seekers to come and meet new people and take part in creative activities in a relaxed environment. Children are also welcome.
Starting Monday 12th August and biweekly from Monday 16th September
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Classes
We host multiple groups of local refugees and asylum seekers looking to improve their English, in partnership with Union Chapel.
Every Thursday 7:30-9:15pm in Kings House, N1 9JY
If you’d like to get involved with any of these initiatives, please fill out the serve form below.
HASSAN’S STORY (PART 1 & 2)
In June 2023, we caught up with Hassan, an asylum seeker, who shared some of his experience with us.
Now, in May 2024, we've had another catch-up to see what he's been getting up to Hassan has been seeking status for over two years and though it’s been an incredibly challenging time, his positive outlook on life is contagious.
He's finally achieved status and as of July 2024, he's also found permanent housing.
THE REFUGEE HOUSING CRISIS
London Council reports a 234% rise from September 2023 to January 2024 of people rough sleeping who had recently left Home Office asylum accommodation (311 people), due to newly-recognised refugees that were housed through s.95 support (home office accommodation for asylum seekers) receiving eviction notices that required them to leave within 7 days.
At KXC, we’ve had to adapt to this rise in need and are partnering with others in the church to help house individuals. To date, three refugees have been hosted by the KXC congregation before moving to permanent housing.
Hosting a refugee can be done in many different ways and you can read more about what it’s like here. We also offer 1-1 support, advice and casework to refugees and asylum seekers in our community throughout the week.
If you’re interested in learning more about the wider refugee ministry at KXC or want to host someone, please get in touch.