Welcome to dHome Dispatch

A big thank-you for tuning into our monthly “dHome Dispatch”, where we provide you with interesting news and updates from dHome world!

As our inaugural edition, we want to welcome you and introduce our Mission, Vision, and current Progress, along with our immediate Needs.

We all empathise with asylum seekers and refugees who, in their plight for a better life, land on our shores only to face under-performing accommodation projects. Many endure drawn-out 'right to stay' applications, surviving in a state of extended limbo, filled with abuse, boredom, and isolation. We have discovered that some even resort to smuggling themselves out of England in despair! We believe a more humane and effective solution is needed.

At dHome, we’ve chosen to step up and address these issues with win-win strategies for all parties, including refugees, local communities, central government and the environment. Our domed villages offer rapid installation, durability, sustainability, and transportability, making them ideal for our needs and aligning with our Values.

In February, we purchased our first 6m diameter dome from a Canadian supplier. Constructing it in Somerset confirmed its coziness and security, even in adverse weather. We are now sourcing UK suppliers to use local materials and support UK jobs.

Our current focus is raising funds to establish our intended proof-of-concept ‘Hamlet’ site near Brighton & Hove. This will house 15 asylum seekers and test some of the larger village components, such as renewable energy, app development, integration of support services, and community outreach. This pilot will refine our program to better meet residents’ and all stakeholders' needs. Additionally, we are actively engaging relevant partners to collectively deliver our vision.

We are also assembling an Advisory Board to tap into specific skill sets as we grow. If you have applicable services or know funding sources, now is the perfect time to join us. We seek grant funding (£10-20K) to support our initial efforts, aiming for broader financial sources to enable the pilot project, estimated at £250-300K. Our improved services will cost the public less than half the Home Offices' existing daily expenditure per Asylum Seeker. As a not-for-profit organisation, we aim to deliver exceptional value for money.

Our app development is also underway, featuring latest A.I. to help residents access their records, social services (physical/mental/health/advise/legal/financial), event calendars, and activity rotas... all in their native languages. This personal virtual assistant will significantly enhance their orientation and integration into the village and wider society.

We will compile a monthly ‘dHome Dispatch’ to keep you updated on relevant issues and our ongoing development. Please feel free to reach out with ideas, feedback, or observations, and we’ll respond promptly. We greatly appreciate your interest and support, and we hope you enjoy our first ‘Dispatch.’

Team dHome, August 2024