This publication presents comprehensive, experience-based guidelines for designing inclusive, dignified, and sustainable refugee hosting programmes that place human relationships at the centre of accommodation practices. Drawing on a series of focus groups conducted in Czechia, Italy, and Poland with hosts, refugees, coordinators, and civil society actors, the publication conceptualises hosting as a relational and supported process that extends far beyond the mere provision of housing. It frames shared living as a dynamic interaction shaped by expectations, communication, power relations, and the broader social and institutional context.

The guidelines articulate a clear set of core principles underpinning effective hosting models, including mutual respect, shared responsibility, preparation, and continuous support. They define the complementary roles of refugees, hosts, and facilitators, emphasising that successful hosting depends on the active engagement of all parties. Particular attention is given to managing expectations before move-in, establishing shared boundaries, and creating spaces for open communication throughout the hosting experience. Practical tools such as self-reflection exercises, living-together agreements, regular check-ins, and structured mediation processes are presented as key mechanisms for preventing conflict and addressing tensions before they escalate.

A strong emphasis is placed on participation and intercultural dialogue. The publication highlights the importance of involving people with lived experience of displacement in the design, delivery, and governance of hosting programmes, recognising participation not as symbolic inclusion but as a form of expertise. By integrating refugee perspectives, the guidelines aim to improve strategic accuracy, strengthen trust within communities, and enhance the legitimacy and resilience of hosting initiatives.

Overall, the publication translates lived experience and collective learning into actionable recommendations for organisations, municipalities, and civil society actors working in refugee accommodation. It contributes to improving the quality, responsiveness, and long-term sustainability of community-based hosting models, while promoting hosting practices that are not only functional, but ethically grounded and deeply human.