One year on and York’s Homes for Ukrainians scheme thrives

York’s success as a host city for Ukrainians fleeing the war has been acknowledged in an update on the refuge provided by the city and the homes provided by residents.

The report published a year after the launch of the Home for Ukrainian initiative, salutes the invaluable role of 188 sponsor households across York who have opened their doors to 323 Ukrainian guests. It also champions the tireless support of the organisations which have helped find homes and support guests and hosts alike, such as City of Sanctuary, Sunflowers Kids Club and Refugee Action York.

In recognition of their ongoing support amidst the challenge of the rising cost-of-living, all sponsors have been awarded an extra £100 by the council. Now, just over a year since the war began, the Government has increased this to £500 a month for hosts whose guests who have been in the country for over a year.

Once settled in York, thanks to initiatives like Our City Hub – run by migrants for migrants – and voluntary organisations, guests are supported into their own homes as part of rebuilding their lives safely in the city. So far, private landlords have enabled 69 guests to move into homes in York. Assistance with deposits or upfront rental payments is offered to eligible, low-income guests.

More private rented homes are being sought and landlords are being encouraged to come forward. All are invited to an event for landlords taking place later this month.

Besides providing guests with host accommodation and homes of their own, the city’s outstanding voluntary sector has been providing a host of support. From help with visas, education, training, job searches, for example, these groups have been given funding by the council to offer essential and build

Rebecca Russell from City of Sanctuary, said: “We have been working with City of York Council since the start of the Homes for Ukraine scheme in March 2022. We are proud to be part of a city-wide network that has created support and a warm welcome in York to mainly women and children fleeing the war in Ukraine.

“One of our challenges is moving those on the scheme from sponsors' homes into private rental housing. Helping them to become independent is a vital first step in order to start a new life in York. 

“Through direct appeals in the media and networking, we have supported a significant number of Ukrainian families and individuals into housing, including those who arrived on the Family Visa scheme. It is heartening to see the difference it makes to have a place they can call 'home'.

“We have been working closely with landlords and letting agents in the city to find solutions for accommodation and support Ukrainians into their own homes. We are grateful for the support and generosity we have received from landlords, many of whom have risen to the specific challenges and helped Ukrainians looking to rent.

“It has been a collective effort, and we will continue to work together to offer the Ukrainian people a warm welcome to York.”

Rob Ainsworth from York City Church, said: “We and members of other churches in York have been running the 'Ukrainian Welcome Cafe' every fortnight since April 2022. Through this we've been able to welcome up to 140 Ukrainian guests into the Citadel for lunch where they can also receive support from up to 12 different partner organisations.

“Whilst the backdrop to the arrival of our Ukrainian friends is so dark and bleak, it has been wonderful to see so many make friends with locals and with each other, to be able to both laugh and grieve together. It has also provided a space for Ukrainians to connect and speak together in their own language. 

“It is clear that York has become more than a temporary home for many people; friendships have been formed with locals that will last a lifetime. Ukrainians are bringing their culture to the city, adding to society and making York a better place as a result. I can see how important it is that we keep working together to enable a deeper participation in city-life for our guests; being creative and generous in how we provide long-term homes is so important.”

 Councillor Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities at City of York Council, said: “A year on from the start of this campaign, the welcome offered by the city’s 188 hosts has been invaluable. The carefully-matched and well-supported hostings have ensured that the overwhelming majority of guests have continued to stay in hosts’ homes or have moved into their own rented homes in the city.

“This has been seamlessly supported by our fantastic voluntary and community partners who we have helped fund. They continue to tirelessly assist guests and help them move into their own private accommodation and a safer future.”

Councillor Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Communities, said: “This well-coordinated response and excellent joint working with partners has helped minimise the need for guests to move before they are ready providing them with a stable home in which they can rebuild their lives.

“Any private landlord interested in renting a home to Ukrainian guests, please visit YorHome information for landlords – City of York Council, email: yorhome@york.gov.uk or call 01904 555700.”

The full report will be presented to Executive on 16 March and can be read at: Agenda for Executive on Thursday, 16 March 2023, 5.30 pm (york.gov.uk).