Councils call for urgent funding as more Ukrainian refugees become homeless. Support Casa Ucrania in providing vital counseling services for Mental health and assistance programs for Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons. Join us in our mission to make a difference.
The prolonged war in Ukraine has left an increasing number of refugees displaced and homeless, prompting councils to appeal for urgent financial assistance to alleviate the growing crisis.
Councils of the UK have urgently requested a review of funding for Ukrainian refugees amidst concerns that approximately 9,000 individuals have reported homelessness, with many more requiring extended support. Despite two years passing since the onset of the conflict, there is no sign of it ending anytime soon.
In response to mounting pressure, the government has announced an extension of the visas for Ukrainians by another 18 months, providing some relief to those affected. This move has been widely welcomed by councils, MPs, and advocates who had expressed concerns about the uncertainty faced by refugees whose visas were due to expire in March 2025.
However, despite this positive development, councils continue to grapple with the challenges of accommodating refugees and providing assistance to those seeking to transition from sponsor hosts. The Local Government Association has highlighted a breakdown in sponsorship arrangements as a major contributor to the homelessness crisis, with approximately 4,500 Ukrainian refugees presenting as homeless each year.
The number of individuals in temporary accommodation has surged by 25% compared to the previous year, reaching 820 individuals. While councils have managed to prevent or relieve homelessness for around 6,000 individuals, the persistent housing shortages and sponsorship-related issues remain significant hurdles. Read more about it.
Councillor Roger Gough, the LGA’s asylum, refugee, and migration spokesperson, emphasized the need for urgent funding review to support councils in providing essential longer-term support and integration services for Ukrainian arrivals.
Meanwhile, UK families have played a crucial role in hosting Ukrainian refugees, but many of these arrangements have come to an end, leaving refugees struggling to secure private rental accommodation due to housing shortages and stringent landlord requirements.
In response to these challenges, volunteer groups like Ukrainian Refugee Help have called for greater support from local councils to assist refugees in transitioning to independent living. They emphasize the importance of consistent policies across all councils to ensure equitable access to support services.
London Council has also highlighted the issue of homelessness among refugees and emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to address this pressing issue.
Challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in Spain: rising rental costs and housing shortages
Since the implementation of the extraordinary protection mechanism, which immediately grants residency and work permits to individuals displaced due to the Russian invasion, Spain has issued over 180,000 temporary permits for Ukrainian refugees in 2023. However, the issue of expensive housing in Spain, rising rental costs, housing shortages, stricter landlord conditions, and difficulties with employment due to language barriers are causing a situation in Spain similar to that of the United Kingdom.
Mental health and assistance programs for Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons
Support Mental health and assistance programs for Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families facing immense challenges. Join us in our mission to promote mental health and well-being in Barcelona and Ukraine. Support Casa Ucrania in continuing to provide vital counseling services, therapeutic programs, and information campaigns to address the mental health needs of vulnerable groups and provide assistance to Ukrainian refugees, and displaced persons. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
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