Can you house a Ukrainian in Hitchin.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, over 1,100 residents have stepped forward and opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war, with just over 1,700 arriving to settle in Hertfordshire, including Hitchin.

As Hitchin Nub News has previously reported, in one of our Up Close features, taking in a refugee from Ukraine can be incredibly rewarding.

However, with the war continuing in Ukraine, more sponsors across Hertfordshire are needed. Read our Q&A with with courageous Ukraine refugee Alina Kurylova who now lives in Hitchin here

As part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, the Government asked for people to open their homes for a minimum of six months, and a vast majority of refugees who have arrived in the county have eased into their new lives. Many have found employment in their local area, their children are enrolled in local schools, and families are becoming established in their local communities.

Hertfordshire County Council is now urgently seeking new sponsors to host individuals and families from Ukraine who wish to remain in Hertfordshire, but due to a shortage of available housing, may be forced to relocate outside of the county, which in turn could hamper their employment opportunities and disrupt their children's schooling.

The sheer scale of the humanitarian response from Hertfordshire residents has been overwhelming, but due to a variety of reasons, some existing sponsors are unable to continue hosting guests beyond the initial six-month period.

Wendy and David Robertson who have been hosting Anna and her six year old son Ivan said: "We feel blessed to have them living with us, and just hope if we were ever in need, that someone would offer us shelter. I can't imagine the horror of what they've experienced, and of having to leave the homes they love let alone their loved ones behind.

"If you have space, please consider taking someone in, in our experience it's just like having a friend to stay, and I feel so grateful that we're the hosts and not the ones needing shelter."  

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for an individual or family, or simply wish to learn more about the benefits and support available, or would like an informal chat with an existing sponsor, please email [email protected].

Residents who wish to be part of the Homes For Ukraine scheme, and to receive the £350 monthly 'thank you' payment, you will also need to register on the Government portal: Homes for Ukraine: record your interest - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

RELATED NUB NEWS FEATURES:

Up Close: Taking in a refugee from Ukraine is incredibly rewarding says Hitchin host Debbie Stalkartt

Up Close: Q&A with courageous Ukraine refugee Alina Kurylova who now lives in Hitchin

Sun Hotel drop-in event - including moving story of a Ukrainian refugee and exclusive interview Bim Afolami MP