Months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron (MAPH) has helped 96 Ukrainian refugees settle in the area, with many more expected to arrive this year.
The association’s president and founder, Dr. Geza Wordofa, said there’s been a groundswell of community support across Perth and Huron counties since the war broke out – but there are still many pressing needs and challenges being faced.
Chief among them is coordinating and paying for travel for refugees, Wordofa explained. He said the cost of flights have skyrocketed, and many refugees require connecting flights through other countries and complex travel documents in order to come to Canada.
“People have been very generous,” Wordofa said. “The next step of course, we have people who still need to come. There is a lineup.”
Wordofa said there are currently 15 Ukrainians with approved Visas to settle in the area, but it’s been a challenge to get them here.
“We have the space here in town, we are lucky, but we don’t have the money and we have no flight,” he explained. “For us, it’s very, very tough.”
The Stratford and Huron/Perth communities have stepped up since the war began, offering temporary housing, donating clothes and furniture, and volunteering to support displaced families, Wordofa said.
“Our community is very strong,” he continued.
Right now, Wordofa said financial donations are the most pressing need in order to assist with travel arrangements.
Another major challenge is finding long-term housing and affordable rental options for refugees. Despite many folks offering homes and rooms for temporary accommodations, Wordofa said there’s a lack of long-term options as refugees continue to settle in the community.
However, Wordofa said once refugees do arrive in Huron-Perth, they’re being met with ample support and community – with the association and volunteers offering countless services to aid refugees as they build new lives in Canada.
Currently, MAPH is matching refugees with host families, who commit to provide housing for three months and up to one year.
The association is also assisting with information and orientation services, helping refugees find jobs, offering translation services and language training and integrating refugees into the community.
“We can’t stop what’s going on in Ukraine, but we can do what we can to help those who are displaced,” said Steve Landerson, the association’s accountant.
For Wordofa – and the associations 129 volunteers – no job is too small, from driving refugees to Service Ontario and Service Canada offices to obtain health cards and drivers licences, to simply dropping off a Sunday night dinner.
“The organization is working very hard … these people (our volunteers) have stretched themselves; they’re running around finding housing and fundraising,” he said. “The Ukrainians keep coming and we have to look after them.”
The association currently has 23 Ukrainian volunteers, which Wordofa said is essential to help connect with refugees as they work through the trauma of the war in their home country.
“They came from the war, so they have a lot of problems,” he said. “Someone who understands them, can calm them down, it’s very important.”
As the Ukrainian refugee crisis continues, Wordofa noted the association is still helping many other refugees from other countries in the community. He said their office is currently working 24/7 – with someone always available to be contacted by those in need – to make sure refugees are properly supported.
“We are all human at the end of the day,” he said. “We have to help each other.”
