I have met a couple not hosts who did not appreciate that it would cost them money to host, as least in the short term.
We chose to pay for them to travel to us, which including hotels and flights was about £500.
Obviously food bills went up but once they have access ti the emergency funding they have bought “most” of their own food.
Things that they need have come mainly from donations but we have chosen to out our hand in our own pockets to buy TV’s for their rooms (not a necessity) but does help give them private space.
But in the main, the most costly support we have had to give, is that of time and emotional support.
I can’t tell you the hours we have spent, wasted and spent again to deal with “officialdom”, but most of that is behind us now.
Things get easier everyday and the mother has a job offer already - starting just as soon as we can sort out more “officialdom”.
This was always going to cost us in ££££ and time and emotional investment, but we have no regrets and are finding the whole experience very rewarding.
I am still looking for a couple of iPhones if anyone is feeling charitable
they have iPhone 6’s but battered and bruised with broken screens that will cost more to fix than but used, but charity is my preferred option.