Sponsors and housing are needed for Ukrainian families waiting to relocate to the United States. There are families with ties to those already here in our area just waiting for a sponsor and housing to be lined up.
Housing is needed for at least a month, and up to a year or more. Once they are working, they may be able to pay some rent, though not right away.
Sponsorship means you promise to be a financial “safety net” for them, if needed. You may also help fill out necessary paperwork, before and after they arrive, enroll them in school, drive them to job interviews, etc. – or you can arrange for someone else to help with these things.
These are the first two urgent needs: sponsorship and housing.
Jobs will be needed. With their refugee status, they are authorized to work right away, and there is nothing extra that employers need to do in order to hire them. Most refugees are educated and skilled, and willing to learn a new trade or work just about any job. Their refugee status is for two years.
Each family will eventually need a car of some kind, to get to work and other activities. Once they are working, they may have the funds to purchase a reliable low-cost vehicle.
Most families escaped Ukraine more than a year ago had only a single suitcase. They will need clothes, and probably need furnishings and household goods once for longer-term housing.
If you can help, or want to learn more about how you can help, please email me at editor@tricountynews.mn.