The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused Europe’s worst crisis since World War II. More than 6.3 million refugees have fled since the conflict began on 24th February – and the number continues to rise.
Householders in the UK can help by offering a home to the displaced people through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
© Sodel Vladyslav / Shutterstock.com
To date, some 53,000 refugees have arrived in the UK. Most are women and children, as men aged 18 to 60 are not permitted to leave Ukraine. The current situation has been declared a level three emergency (the highest level) by the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner.
Around 107,400 visas have been issued by the UK government, so hosts all over the UK are getting ready for more refugees to arrive. More people are being sought to aid the massive rescue effort.
Homes for Ukraine scheme
UK residents can apply to become a “sponsor” through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, organised by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Potential hosts can use the government’s online service to register their interest, either as an individual or as an organisation.
People in Britain who already know a Ukrainian national whom they wish to sponsor can help them to apply for their visa through the scheme. Any refugees who wish to flee to the UK, but don’t have a sponsor, will be matched with people who have registered their interest.
Anyone in the UK who has a spare room or home can register as a sponsor, as long as the accommodation is available for a minimum of six months. People who aren’t British citizens, but who are legally living in the UK for at least six months, can also become a sponsor.
Once people have registered online, an official from the DLUHC will contact them to explain the next steps. UK residents who have a family member who wishes to flee Ukraine don’t need to register as a potential sponsor. The relative should apply for a visa under the Ukraine Family Scheme instead.
More than 100,000 people signed up to house refugees on the first day of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Charities, businesses and community groups are also urged to apply. According to the government website, hosts are not expected to cover their guests’ living expenses, although they can if they wish.
Based on the number of refugees in their area, local authorities are also to receive extra funding to provide support services, particularly for those with school-age children.
Everyone who applies to host refugees is vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service. Ukrainian applicants are also subject to similar security checks.
How can you get the house ready?
Each house will receive £350 a month from the government, to provide accommodation for the refugees who will live rent-free. The first step is to make sure there is enough furniture in the home you’re providing. Long-term furniture rental can be more convenient when it comes to obtaining lounge and bedroom furniture including beds, kitchen equipment, white goods, dining sets and soft furnishings.
How can we help those who have fled Ukraine?
UK residents who want to help should keep well-educated on the conflict and stay up to date with how they can best support people in need.
You can contact various charities to find out how you can help including Refugees at Home, Shelter 4 Ukraine, Room for Refugees and Reset. The government has given Reset £300,000 to help run a service to match refugees to hosts in the UK.
You can also make donations via the United Nations’ refugee agency, UNHCR, which is providing protection and humanitarian aid such as emergency shelter, blankets and emotional support. Donations are needed urgently.
Volunteer in your local community with a refugee organisation to support people who have just arrived. You can help them to integrate, or teach a language, craft or other skills.
Fundraise to help displaced Ukrainians, rallying your family, friends and workmates. Take on a sporting challenge such as the 300,000 Steps Challenge and ask for sponsorship, or organise an event at school, work or home.
Become an advocate for refugees by engaging with local community leaders, networks and elected officials to find out more about welcoming people into the community.
Furniture Rental Online’s sister company, Let Us Furnish, has made a large donation of beds to refugees from Ukraine who have fled to Slovakia. Rotary International and Owens Group transport services took the 150 beds and mattresses to Košice, Slovakia, to aid the refugee crisis.
There are many things we could all do to help Ukrainian refugees, as kindness is needed to help restore people’s lives and faith in humanity during these terrible times.