York property developer offering homes to Afghan refugee families
North Star are working with Social Vision UK on resettling refugees.
Last updated 20th Oct 2021
More preparations are underway to help Afghan refugees resettle in York after a local property developer stepped in to help.
North Star say they'll house six families, following a request for help from York Central MP Rachael Maskell.
Joe Gardham is owner of Social Vision UK, who are partnering with North Star on the scheme: "I received a call last week from Rachael Maskell's office asking if I knew anybody who had any properties available.
"I work closely with North Star who are made up of local property developers who pool their resources together to undertake big project. I called North Star straight away and asked if they had any spaces, and after a quick conservation they agreed to repurpose six holiday lets that they owned in the city for twelve months.
"It's absolutely huge - can you imagine just being told now that you have just a couple of hours to leave York and you don't know if you can return again or see loved ones again?
"It's a huge thing and a terrifying ordeal. Coming to a country that's welcomed them it'll provide sanctuary and sanctuary, and as a city we've got a history of welcoming refugees from all over the world.
"I'm born and bred in York, and through my life there's been a record of the city welcoming people from different communities, so I'm confident (that they'll be welcomed).
"When I tell people I'm from York I do so with a smile on my face, so I think we'll welcome them".
Joe says the next stage will be a 'long drawn-out process', and they're in communication with the Government and the local authority: "The call from Rachael's office was just the first step, and then it enters into a longer process. I don't know how long that'll take.
"I've been working with North Star for the last two or three years and every single time I've taken an idea with them to support the local community they've said 'yes', and then we'll work out how to do it.
"It's not a surprise to me personally, so I'm very happy".