Natalia (left) who arrived Sept 30th, 2023 and has been staying with her host Ingrid.
While the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) is ending on March 31st. More than 20,000 Ukrainians have moved to British Columbia since the war in Ukraine began and there is an expected wave of new arrivals ahead of the CUAET deadline.
United Way British Columbia’s United for Ukraine works with partners and agencies to help displaced Ukrainians settle into their new communities. One of the most important ways for Ukrainians to successfully acclimate is through safe housing.
Anna Tykhonchenko, an Archway Ukrainian Settlement Worker, says that “becoming a host to a Ukrainian family or individual is a rewarding way for people to help.”
More than 500 BC residents have already offered short-term and long-term spaces to displaced Ukrainians. Housing can be a private room, separate unit or entire dwelling. Typically, guests stay two weeks to over three months, depending on the host’s preferences.
“Having a safe space to rest and begin processing their trauma is an important step as Ukrainians seek to integrate into their new communities.”
Through a vetting process, United Way BC processes host applications which are then referred to local settlement agencies, including Archway Community Services in Abbotsford. Both hosts and Ukrainians are supported throughout the process and in the rare cases where a match doesn’t work out, all parties collaborate to find a resolution and new accommodations if needed.
“Having a safe space to rest and begin processing their trauma is an important step as Ukrainians seek to integrate into their new communities,” said Tykhonchenko.
With the stability that comes with housing, the newcomers can begin looking for work, English language training as needed and schools for children.
“We’re so appreciative of the support of so many community members and United Way B.C. in addressing the needs of Ukrainians,” said Tykhonchenko who fled Ukraine herself in March 2022.
“Archway has assisted more than 300 Ukrainians since 2022 and many of them are now able to support themselves but it takes time to adjust to a new country, language and culture. The clients who have had a host family at the beginning have an easier time settling in and many have built strong continuing friendships with their hosts.”
United Way BC supports displaced Ukrainians with through a partnership with the Government of B.C., the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies & Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA).
Those who are interested in learning more about supporting Ukrainians through donations or offers of housing can visit United Way British Colombia.
“Archway has assisted more than 300 Ukrainians since 2022 and many of them are now able to support themselves but it takes time to adjust to a new country, language and culture. The clients who have had a host family at the beginning have an easier time settling in and many have built strong continuing friendships with their hosts.”