A community appeal has resulted in temporary homes for two Ukrainian families on the Island, but more accommodation is still urgently needed.
The appeal, launched by Community Action Isle of Wight at the end of 2022, sought to find vacant properties for larger Ukrainian families who were desperate to stay together on the Island.
Two families housed
Thanks to the media coverage, places were found for two families including family members Alisa Druzhbina, Halyna Vasiukova, Albina Kulchytska, and her daughter Nina Kulchytska
The family had travelled to the UK from the east side of Ukraine where most of the hostilities have been focused.On their arrival Alisa and Halyna were hosted together in one home and Albina and her Daughter Nina were hosted by another family.
Vasiukova: We desperately wanted to live together again as a family
Halyna said,
“When we came to the UK, we thought we might only be staying for a few months and would then be able to return home to Ukraine, but sadly it has just not been safe to do so.
“We have been supported for the last nine months by the most wonderful hosts, with whom we will remain friends for life but, having been separated in different homes and knowing we will potentially be here for much longer, we desperately wanted to live together again as a family.
“After the appeal we received the fantastic news we had been waiting for, and we have now been able to move into a property together. We are truly grateful for all the help and support we have received.”
Daley: The war in Ukraine shows no sign of ending
Philippa Daley from Community Action Isle of Wight who has been coordinating support together with the Isle of Wight council for over 100 Ukrainian families echoed Halyna’s thoughts saying,
“We are so grateful to the media for the coverage of our appeal and to the continuing generosity of Islanders.
“It is hard to believe that we are a year down the line and the war in Ukraine shows no sign of ending and we are determined to continue to do what we can for these families who remain desperate to return home and be reunited with family and friends.
“We continue to urgently need both vacant accommodation of all sizes to rent, for a minimum of one year, as well as hosted accommodation and we are appealing once again for the community’s support.”
Accommodation needed
Accommodation specifically needed currently includes:
- 3 bed rental property driving distance from Newport for a family of 5
- 2 bed rental property for a family of 3 Niton/ Whitwell/ Shanklin areas
- 2 bed hosted accommodation for a family of 3 in Ryde
- 3 bed rental property for a family of 3 in Ryde
- 2 bed rental or hosted property for a family of 3 in East Cowes
- 2 bed hosted property for a family of 2 in Cowes
- 2 bed rental property for a family of 2 in Newport
- 2 bed rental property for a family of 2 in Shanklin
Get in touch
Anyone able to help is asked to contact Philippa on 01983 539374 or email [email protected] Community Action will then provide the support to guide you through the process.
Funding support is still available for host families.
News shared by Claire on behalf of Community Action. Ed
Image: Left to right – Alisa Druzhbina (Mother-in-law), Halyna Vasiukova (Mother), Albina Kulchytska (Halyna’s daughter) and Nina Kulchytska (Albina’s daughter 15 years)
