Homes for Ukraine scheme launched in Catholic community

St John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG), in partnership Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), are offering a matching, training, and support service to sponsors and guests under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

After months of the brutal Russian war in Ukraine, the number of people fleeing the war and in need of shelter remains high and will continue to rise as winter is fast approaching. Following the dynamic counteroffensive by the Ukrainian armed forces in Kharkiv, we have already seen attacks on critical energy infrastructure by Russian armed forces across Ukraine, including in Kyiv and Western Ukraine - areas considered relatively safer until recently.

Parts of Ukrainian territory remain under Russian occupation where civilians are tortured, prosecuted, forced into cooperation, and lack access to basic utilities. The evidence of war crimes is commonplace on liberated territories. The Ukrainian government continues planned evacuations from the frontline and occupied areas where risk of death or injury is high. With 100,000 evacuated from conflict-hit areas in Ukraine between August and September 2022, Ukrainian authorities aim to evacuate a total of 500,000 people by winter.

Whilst many Ukrainians are already displaced in neighbouring countries and in urgent need of shelter, the SJOG and CSAN matching scheme is encouraging those who can, to consider hosting and supporting Ukrainians through this difficult time. The matching service brings hosts and guests together and facilitates safe travel to the UK. Where possible, the scheme will link with hosts' local diocese and parish communities.

One guest, Bohdana, said: "I am so grateful to the UK government for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. The Homes for Ukraine Scheme has been truly incredible for me. I feel safe here, away from the sounds of sirens, curfew, and living in constant fear of shelling. The scheme has given me time to find my feet and build a new life in the UK."

Anton, another guest, said: "Moving to the UK was the decision to get stability and safety for my family and myself. My sponsors were very helpful with settling in the UK. They provided me with detailed information about local infrastructure: groceries, shops, restaurants, cafes, and many other points of interest. They showed me something we never used in Ukraine. They were accommodating in terms of cultural differences and were very patient with us. This program[me] is extremely helpful for Ukrainians that seek a safe place to stay while the war is happening in the country."

Benefits of the scheme have not been limited to guests either who are fleeing the tragic circumstances in Ukraine, as one host, Evelyn, explains: "I decided to host individuals from Ukraine because I wanted to help. It has been great helping out two young women from Ukraine get settled in London. I have enjoyed meeting them and providing some support."

The goal of the programme is to offer 6 months' temporary accommodation for people displaced by the war in Ukraine and support them in transitioning to building a new life in the UK. It can be a unique opportunity to learn more about Ukrainian culture and offer support to people in need.

If you are interested in learning more about the programme, you can visit the SJOG Homes for Ukraine website at: http://sjog-homesforukraine.uk , search 'SJOG Homes for Ukraine' on Facebook, or email homesforukraine@sjog.org.uk.

Visit CSAN's website for more information on the Ukraine conflict and other ways to support at: www.csan.org.uk/ukrainetoolkit/.