I became homeless, my mental health suffered not only because of the things I suffered in Iran but also because of the way I was being treated in this country, I became a bad person and tried to kill myself.

The quote above is from a destitute asylum seeker. Hungry and homeless, many asylum seekers are living in limbo, banned from working yet unable to access benefits. Many do not know where they will be sleeping from one night to the next: in parks and bus stations, public toilets and phone boxes, abandoned buildings, or the floors of friends. For survival, they rely on food parcels and the charity of others.

Estimates range from 2,000 - 3,000 destitute asylum seekers in Leeds. People whose application has been refused but who cannot be returned home, because it is unsafe or because they cannot get the necessary travel documents. People who cannot claim state benefits and who are banned from working to support themselves.

Since 2006 charities in Leeds have operated a Hardship Fund to provide limited financial support to those in greatest need who have no other income. Each year almost 1,000 small subsistence donations are made to destitute asylum seekers. This provides a vital lifeline to people in desperate situations and can mean the difference between a hot meal and nothing to eat. Calls on the hardship fund have increased and there is usually a waiting list of people in dire need of support.

The Hardship Fund is an essential service to ease the situation of people experiencing homelessness and destitution and is supported by:

All donations we receive are very much appreciated and will directly benefit asylum seekers in Leeds. If you would like to make a donation, or set up a regular standing order,please. please click here to download a copy of our donation form. You can then complete this form and send it to us by post at: