Help Us Make a House a Home

When women and children arrive at The Haven, they are stepping into safety, but not yet into a place that feels like home.

We know that refuge accommodation can never fully replace the comfort of a real home. It’s a huge and often overwhelming transition for the families that arrive with very few belongings, adjusting to new surroundings while processing uncertainty about the future.

That’s why our Make a House a Home project is so important.

With your support, we can create warm, welcoming, and comforting spaces where women and children can begin to feel settled, safe, and supported. This means more than just essentials. It’s about the everyday moments that bring comfort, routine, and joy.

What does “making a house a home” look like?

- Safe and nurturing spaces for babies, including next-to-me cribs, cots, nursing chairs, and baby bundles

- Opportunities for play and outdoor joy, like paddling pools, gardening tools, and refreshed play equipment

- Celebrating special moments such as Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Diwali, Halloween - the kinds of occasions every family should be able to enjoy

- Simple, meaningful activities at home such as baking, crafting, and movie nights that help families reconnect and rebuild

These are the moments that help transform a temporary space into somewhere families can begin to heal. However, the need doesn’t stop.

Looking after as many families as we do means items are well-used and need replacing. We also want every family, in every room, across every site, to receive the same level of care and comfort. That means when something is needed, we don’t just provide one, our aim is to provide it for everyone. This is why we’re now asking for support from our wider community.

Make a House a Home isn’t a one-time appeal. It’s an ongoing project. Needs change depending on the families staying with us, the ages of children, individual interests, and even changes with each season. One month it might be outdoor play equipment; another, cosy items for a movie nights indoors.

Why your support matters

Your generosity helps us go beyond basic provision. It allows us to create spaces where women and children can:

- Feel safe and settled after trauma

- Build routines and positive memories

- Experience moments of joy and normality

- Begin to rebuild their lives with dignity

When a space feels homely, it can make an incredibly difficult time feel just a little more manageable.

Together, we can ensure every family who comes to The Haven is met not just with safety, but with warmth, care, and the feeling that they belong.

Thank you for helping us make a house a home.