Looking for guidance and support as you start your new life? Community Sponsorship connects you with caring sponsors who will help you settle in, find housing, and navigate daily life.

How can Community Sponsorship help you?

New Place to call Home

We understand how important housing is.

It provides not just a stable foundation for settling in, but also a permanent address, which is essential for most registration procedures in Lithuania.

Through Community Sponsorship, sponsors aim to offer you the secure housing you need to begin your new life.

New Guide in a New Community

Your sponsor will be by your side, helping you understand your new surroundings, navigate local systems, and find opportunities. They’ll be a friend and guide as you adjust to your new life.

Window into Your New Life

Your sponsor has valuable life experience in the country you’re starting your new life in.

They will introduce you to social circles, help answer questions about culture, customs, and opportunities, and support you in feeling comfortable and confident in your new community.

Name*

Surname*

Email*

Phone*

City of Residence*

Where are you seeking to settle?*

What languages are you comfortable communicating in?*

Do you have special needs (disabilities)?*

I am applying for..?*

Do you have underaged children?*

What areas would you need most assistance with?*

EmploymentStudies/vocational trainingLithuanian languageDay-to-day practicalitiesSocial and psychological support

Are you seeking housing to rent?

How much space (sq.m.)?

How many rooms?

Max rental price?

Any other demands?

Are you open to participating in events relating to the RISE project, as well as answering surveys and questionnaires throughout the pilot programme?*

Do you agree to signing a Sponsorship agreement as provided by IOM and commit to receiving sponsorship for a period of 6 months?

Do you consent to holding at least five meetings with your sponsor?*

Preferred means of communication

By submitting this form, I agree that my personal data can be used to contact me. I confirm that I have read the Privacy Policy.

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FAQ

What are the benefits of having a Sponsor?

Community Sponsorship helps navigate the often lengthy and challenging integration process. RISE aims to enhance the overall integration experience in Lithuania by providing you with access to a safe, supportive network that will guide you through a complex new environment and connect you with your local community.

Sponsors will not only share practical knowledge about living in Lithuania but also act as allies during more difficult situations – helping with administrative tasks, overcoming the language barrier, and advocating on your behalf. This support fosters a sense of belonging and provides access to a community, which is vital for successful and sustainable integration.

How long will the sponsorship last?

Formally, the sponsorship will last at least 6 months.

However, if you feel that a longer duration would be beneficial, you can discuss and agree on an extension with your sponsor. We recommend having at least two face-to-face meetings to establish a personal connection with your sponsor, who will be supporting you throughout your integration journey.

I have registered, now what?

We will contact you within 2 weeks of your application to schedule a call. During the call, we’ll learn more about your needs, expectations, and any other information necessary to ensure a successful start to your sponsorship journey.

If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to us at riseeu@iom.int.

I think the match between me and my Sponsor is unsuccessful. What should I do?

If you feel that the match with your sponsor isn’t working, or that you’re not getting the best experience from the sponsorship journey, please reach out to the RISE team.

We will arrange a meeting to discuss the situation, mediate to find the best solution, and decide on the next steps – whether that’s continuing with your current sponsor or rematching you with someone more compatible.

If things aren’t going as expected, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you.

How will I be supported throughout the sponsorship period?

You will have access to a support hotline for any issues that you cannot resolve with your sponsor.

Additionally, we will hold regular check-in meetings to review your sponsorship journey, assess how you’re benefiting from the experience, and address any concerns that may arise.

What if there has been misconduct?

Collaboration challenges can typically be resolved through communication. If issues persist:

Contact the IOM Lithuania team at the support channels provided during onboarding.
All complaints are handled confidentially and with diligence to ensure fairness for all parties involved.

How can I determine if the housing offered to me is suitable?

Suitable housing should:

Be affordable, allowing your family to cover rent while maintaining a budget for other necessities like food, healthcare, transportation, and education.
Provide adequate space for your family size and include essential utilities such as electricity, heating, and clean water, along with functional kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Be safe, structurally sound, and free of hazards, complying with local building and fire safety codes. It should also be connected to sewage and water networks and, ideally, offer reliable and sustainable energy sources.
Ensure access to clean drinking water and equitable sanitation, and be free of infestations.
Be located near essential services like schools, healthcare, public transportation, and grocery stores. Housing for individuals with disabilities or the elderly should meet specific needs, such as wheelchair accessibility.
Include leases or agreements that provide a reasonable duration, protect against sudden displacement, and adhere to legal and ethical standards, including non-discriminatory practices and clear tenancy terms.

How can I be sure that my sponsor is a safe and trustworthy person?

To ensure your safety and a successful match, we conduct a thorough background check on all potential sponsors. Additionally, sponsors undergo training to ensure they can meet your needs effectively. The RISE team will also conduct regular check-ins to monitor your well-being and ensure the sponsorship is progressing smoothly.

If you ever feel unsafe with your sponsor or find it difficult to trust them, please don’t hesitate to contact the RISE team at riseeu@iom.int or via the hotline. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

What happens when your sponsorship ends?

Throughout your sponsorship, both your sponsor and the RISE team will make sure to support you until you feel comfortable and self-reliant. During the check-in meetings with your sponsor and with the RISE team, guidance and help will be provided so you feel comfortable and empowered to start your independent life in Lithuania.