Anyone had experience with refugees at home?

[Coldemort]

I'm considering making an application to offer my spare bedroom through refugees at home. However I live on my own and wouldn't be comfortable sharing my home with a Male (this applies to any nationality including British!). I appreciate this probably restricts how many people they could place with me, is it still worth registering to host but stipulating females only?
Thanks

I don't have any knowledge/experience but I'd think that you could still register your interest for a female only.

I suppose my second question is, is that reasonable. I dont want to 'play God' and I'm wary of showing entitlement in stipulating 'female only'. Sorry my thinking is in a middle at the moment!

Totally reasonable not wanting a man.

Would you consider a child too?

Completely reasonable and I'm sure you won't be the first to have requested female only.

Totally reasonable to say female only. You need to be comfortable with it.

What you're thinking about doing is an amazing act of generosity and humanity. Offering up a room in your home could make an incredible difference to someone's life. Hats off to you.

I think Helen Pidd a journalist housing a (male) refugee for a while. She wrote about it so sure you could find that for info. Sounds like a great idea.

I also think it’s completely reasonable to stipulate women only if you’re a woman living on your own.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/09/my-syrian-refugee-lodger-helen-pidd

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/dec/24/good-news-2016-what-happened-next-syrian-lodger-blind-date

I'd be fine with a woman and young children, but not a teenage boy.
See this is where it feels a bit wrong, saying I want to help but then applying my own criteria.

A teenage boy (under 18) would be the responsibility of social services. Under 16 would most likely be placed in foster care. Over 16 probably in supported accommodation. They wouldn't just send one to you as a volunteer, primarily for safeguarding reasons.

There is nothing wrong with applying your own criteria when wanting to help. It's amazing that you want to help at all. Most people wouldn't.

Living on your own i wouldnt have a male either OP. There is nothing wrong with only wanting a female, it is still a very kind thing to do.

Perhaps thinking of it less as applying your own criteria and more of ensuring stability. If you don’t feel comfortable you won’t be able to continue so finding the right match is very important. You need to feel safe and comfortable in your own home so apply any criteria you need to do that. That you’re willing to try is extremely kind and generous and I truly hope it works out for you and whoever you can help!

Its fine to only help women

See this is where it feels a bit wrong, saying I want to help but then applying my own criteria.

If you have no boundaries you won't be able to help anyone.

It's perfectly reasonable for safety and privacy reasons.

Just a thought. Perhaps it's possible to register to take in any vulnerable woman in need of a safe place to stay. So possibly a refugee but also perhaps a domestic abuse victim or homeless woman (many see homeless because of DA) or a (female) trafficking victim.

Its fine if you want to do that.
Would you consider a couple or a couple with a baby?

I cant see why you cant ask for women/child only? Worse case, the company say that isnt possible, and you say thankyou, and dont proceed.

I too would consider a male teen either. One of those documetaries showed a supposed 14yr old asylum seeker turned out to be in his 30's!!!

You are being 100% reasonable, assuming of course that you are also female!

You are already being more generous than most if you do this.

Thanks all, you've genuinely been a lot of help in how I'm thinking about this. I fully agree that it's got to be a partnership that works for all involved, which isn't going to happen if I'm feeling uncomfortable.

Of course you can stipulate female only. There may well be some refugees who would welcome a female only space.

The charity Refugees at Home makes reference to only having female guests on their website.