Hosting FAQ

HIH is working closely with the IRC to make sure this transition goes as smoothly as possible. We’ll be transferring our active matches to the IRC to ensure hosts and their guests continue to have access to support should they need it during their hosting arrangement.

If you’re comfortable with it, we will share a summary of case notes on your match with them in order to provide context in the future when they’re communicating with you. If you’d prefer not to have your case notes shared, please let us know by 31st March 2025 on the below contact details.

If you have any concerns or questions, you can contact us until April 30th at:

• Email: support@helpingirishhosts.com

• Phone: (01) 263 0360

You can also reach the IRC directly:

• Email: migrationcrisis@redcross.ie (put “HIH Placement” in the email subject line)

• Phone: Call the Pledge Hotline at 1800 753 343 during business hours. Your query will be assessed and directed to the appropriate support.

If you’d prefer not to have your match transferred to the IRC, you’ll be switching to independent hosting.

What is independent hosting?

If you’re hosting someone without having gone through an official programme like the Pledge Programme or Offer A Home, you are considered an independent host. This includes people who are receiving the ARP (Accommodation Recognition Payment) or hosting without any payment, as long as the match was made outside of formal systems like the Irish Red Cross, HIH, PMVT, or local authorities.

Independent hosts play a huge role in Ireland’s response to displacement but often don’t have access to structured support, safeguarding, or conflict resolution services. That’s why HIH continues to push for better systems and resources for all hosts, whether they’re part of formal programmes or hosting independently. If that’s you, you can still use the HIH website, join the Facebook group, and be part of the wider community of hosts sharing advice and support.

After April, the Irish Red Cross (IRC) will be the primary point of contact for hosts who were officially matched by a partner (IRC, HIH, or PMVT) as part of the Pledge Programme. They will continue to manage support for existing matches. To reach the IRC:

• Email: migrationcrisis@redcross.ie (put “HIH Placement” in the email subject line)

• Phone: Call the Pledge Hotline at 1800 753 343 during business hours. Your query will be assessed and directed to the appropriate support.

If you were matched through IOM or a Local Authority, you should continue to contact them for support.

HIH is planning to keep a volunteer-run helpline running, but it will be operating on greatly reduced hours. We’re doing everything we can to make sure there’s still a friendly voice at the end of the line to support you. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

To reach the IRC:

• Email: migrationcrisis@redcross.ie

• Phone: Call the Pledge Hotline at 1800 753 343 during business hours. Your query will be assessed and directed to the appropriate support.

For hosts and guests who were officially matched by a partner (IRC, HIH, or PMVT) as part of the Pledge Programme, the IRC will continue to manage ongoing support.

If you need help, you can contact the IRC at:

• Email: migrationcrisis@redcross.ie (put “HIH Placement” in the email subject line)

• Phone: Call the Pledge Hotline at 1800 753 343 during business hours. Your query will be assessed and directed to the appropriate support.

For independent hosts (those who made matches outside of official programmes), we recommend reaching out to community networks or legal services if you encounter issues.

See our website for an FAQ of common scenarios and a directory of services that might be of assistance.

For those coming to the end of their match, see our Moving On page for guidance on preparing for the conversation.

Yes. HIH’s online host network will continue, providing a supportive space where hosts can connect, share experiences, offer advice, and learn from each other. Even though we’re scaling down, the community remains strong, and we encourage you to keep engaging and supporting one another.

Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpingirishhosts

You can still pledge accommodation online through these platforms:

• Irish Red Cross - Register of Pledges: registerofpledges.redcross.ie

• Offer A Home: offerahome.ie

Thank you so much for stepping up and offering your support. It really makes a difference. 💙💛

A motion on the extension of the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is currently going through the Dáil. The Cabinet made a decision to extend the payment to the end of the Temporary Protection directive (March 31, 2026).

The monthly 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. As ARP is paid in arrears the first reduced payment will be received on 8th July.

The change will only apply once approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. It will go to the Dáil for approval on Wednesday, March 26, and then to the Seanad for ratification on Thursday, March 27.

The official announcement and all the info is on the HIH website: https://www.helpingirishhosts.com/post/important-update-arp-scheme

We also have new pages on our website to help you navigate these changes:

For Hosts: https://www.helpingirishhosts.com/navigating-changes-arp

And one for guests too: https://www.helpingirishhosts.com/navigating-changes-arp-guests

Keep an eye on the HIH Facebook group or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

We get it. Honestly, we’re heartbroken too. It’s really hard to see our services coming to an end, but we always knew this funding wouldn’t last forever.

If you’re feeling disappointed and want to help, there are a few things you can do:

• Complete our feedback survey: Your thoughts matter, and it helps us show the impact of what we’ve built together. HERE

• Give us a testimonial: Tell me now or email hello@helpingirishhosts.com

• Talk to your local TD: Let them know why services like ours are so important.

• Write to the Ministers or the Taoiseach: Share your story and why this work matters.

• Call Joe Duffy! Make your voice heard - let people know what’s being lost.

• Join our campaign to extend the ARP to other refugee cohorts: We’re not giving up on finding long-term solutions.

• Stay Connected: Join our mailing list or Facebook group to stay updated and get involved in future advocacy efforts.

• Volunteer: As we transition to a volunteer model, we’ll need all the help we can get. Anyone willing to lend their time, skills, or expertise is more than welcome.

It’s frustrating, but your voice matters. The more people speak up, the harder we can push for real change. And thank you - just knowing you care means the world.