When the Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched in response to the Russian-Ukraine war, Lisa Raynes felt it was only right that her family opened up their house to a refugee family. But four months on after experiencing the reality of two families living under one roof combined with a lack of security for their guests' future, Lisa says they didn't realise quite what they were letting themselves in for in the long run.
Amid worries over the rising cost of energy bills, awkward cooking arrangements that have caused her to put a stop to the expensive weekly food shop, and with her own children having to make sacrifices, Lisa has decided she can no longer accommodate the family once their six-month agreement comes to an end - but is struggling to find a compassionate landlord that will take them on from then.
The mum-of-three, who is also a mum to two stepchildren, is glad to have been able to provide the Zonzova family with a good start to life in the UK, but she argues it's time for the local authorities and government to step up with their support and to not rely on more host families coming forward.
