Humanitarian organizations lay groundwork for arrival of potential Ukrainian refugees in London, Ont.
Ukrainians will now be able to live, work and go to school in Canada for up three years
London's Cross-Cultural Learners Centre (CCLC) hasn't received any word on when Ukrainian refugees may start arriving in London, but with the help of London Ukrainian Humanitarian Action (LUHA), they've been laying down the groundwork so they'll be ready for when they get here.
LUHA chair Marat Slessarev said that when people start coming, they're ready to link them up with medical support, temporary and potentially long term housing, and even employment.
"What I think this humanitarian action has allowed us to do is be a bit proactive rather than being reactive," said Slessarev. "We're going to say, 'Hey, we're anticipating folks are going to come, so let's have everything in place ready for when they arrive."
On Mar. 17, Canada announced what they're calling the "Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel," which will welcome Ukrainians to live, work and go to school in Canada for up to three years. Millions of Ukrainians have left their homes since Russia invaded last month.
Valerian Marochko, CCLC's executive director, said their non-profit resettlement agency can also help newcomers with things like document translation, creating connections within the community, housing supports and school registration for kids.
London's capacity
When it comes to how many people London can take in, Horowitz said that it all depends on the people of the city.
"We've seen a great response, for example, during the Syrian crisis," said Marochko. "Many landlords came forward, many Londoners who had a basement unit in their house or who had a secondary house that was not inhabited that came and supported."
"It depends on the willingness of the local population to support," he added. "You know, there's a sizeable Ukrainian community in London and there will be capacity."
Both organizations also set up a fund, which Marochko said will be used to help pay for things that the government won't cover, whether it's food, healthcare products or a place to sleep.
"Everybody is super helpful and welcoming," said Slessarev, of London as a city. "And I think it's the strength of our city. Everybody wants to help and is extremely supportive for newcomers, so I think it's a great place to to come and live."