PRESS UPDATES

Group Forms to Resettle Ukrainian Family in Greater Boston

Seeks Donations for Housing, Food, Clothing, Healthcare & other Essentials

May 20, 2023 - READING MA--  Approximately 17.6 million people in Ukraine will need humanitarian assistance in 2023, and 5.9 million are displaced and still seeking refuge. The Refugee Community Alliance: Ukrainian Support Project has formed in the local area as a diverse group of volunteers whose mission is to resettle and support a family of Ukrainian refugees in 2023 in the greater Boston area. The MA-based group is affiliated with Reading POWIR (People Organized to Welcome Immigrants and Refugees), which has successfully resettled Ethiopian and Afghan refugee families in the U.S. over the past five years.

“You hear the horror stories coming out of Ukraine about how the war is impacting everyday life and how dangerous it is. You want to help, but it’s hard to know where to start” says volunteer Hilary Trismen. “The Ukrainian Support Project is an opportunity to help a real family, right here in the Boston area. You will know who you are helping, and whatever you choose to donate will make a profound difference in their lives.”

The group is currently searching for family housing options that meet the more flexible criteria approved by the United States government’s “Unity for Ukraine” program. Under this program, organizations resettling Ukrainian refugees are allowed to use housing options that are within someone’s home (which might be free or reduced cost) or fundraise to cover apartment rent for at least one year. While housing is the largest expense, there are other pressing needs as well. A new apartment or other living space must be set up with furniture, pots and pans, linens, etc. Refugee families arrive with very little and need food, clothing, shoes, school supplies, and much more.

How you can help:

1. Donate to support the refugee family we will be welcoming

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/ukrainian-support-project to read more about the project and to make a donation. The group is fundraising to support the ongoing costs needed to support a quality standard of living for a refugee family in the greater Boston area for at least one year.  One hundred percent of funds raised will go to support the resettlement of the family, as the project is staffed completely by volunteers.

2. Help secure housing

If you have room in your house and heart to open your home to a Ukrainian family, the group would welcome your offer. (Use the “Contact” button on the above web site.) This is actually the most common route for housing taken under the “Uniting for Ukraine” program. If you are open to this option, the Ukrainian Support Project group would act as a key partner to you and support all ongoing needs associated with re-settlement. If interested, personally donated housing options could be any of the following (provided they include access to a kitchen and a bathroom):

• In-law suite

• Furnished basement or furnished attic

• Extra bedrooms in your home

The Ukrainian Support Project group would also like to hear from you if you know of opportunities for reduced or rent-free housing. Please contact us at refugeecommunityalliance.usp@gmail.com 

The Ukrainian Support Project is a secular, interdenominational group, involving people from multiple local communities of faith and service organizations. Members come from several different towns including Somerville, Reading, Stoneham, Melrose, Andover, Middleton and more. The group is supported by Catholic Charities, Reading POWIR, and the Old South United Methodist Church. All are welcome to join.