Homes for Ukraine is a government scheme launched in March 2022 to provide refuge to Ukrainians fleeing the war. There was an overwhelming response from the UK public to support with hosting individuals and families. The war in Ukraine continues, as does the need for shelter and safe accommodation for those displaced and fleeing Ukraine.
Pope Francis has spoken of ‘welcoming the stranger’ and extending support to migrants, which the Catholic community has embraced wholeheartedly, showing enthusiasm for the cause and a willingness to open their homes.
To match this dedication and further support our Ukrainian neighbours, CSAN have partnered with St John of God’s Hospitaller Services (SJOG) to launch a matching service for the Catholic community. The service launched in September 2022 and is looking to recruit hosts from across the UK, willing to host and support displaced Ukrainians, who will be supported with the necessary applications and safely transported to the UK.
Further information on the matching service, including how to apply to host, can be found on the SJOG website . CSAN have also published a toolkit on their website for those wanting information on the Ukraine war and ways to support.
In addition to helping those displaced by the war in Ukraine, we are acutely aware of the growing need at home due to the cost-of-living crisis. Christians are called to respond to need wherever it exists, with the gifts and resources at their disposal. 14.5 million people in the UK are in poverty and the ‘cost-of-living crisis’ is forecast to push an additional 4 million UK households into poverty in 2022. The bishops of England and Wales have issued a statement on the cost-of-living crisis and CSAN has produced a resource for parishes.
