More apply to home refugees
AT LEAST 30 Calderdale households have applied to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine.
That is according to Calderdale Council, who have launched a new web page giving details of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme and support on offer from the council.
Data published by the Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities shows 16 visas have been granted so far so that Ukrainians can stay in Calderdale. These figures do not include visas issued under the separate Ukraine Family Scheme.
The council’s site also gives information for Ukrainians coming here and other ways that communities can help.
The council says it is in regular contact with Migration Yorkshire about the situation in Ukraine and will continue to work to ensure refugees are supported.
As Government guidance emerges, the council says it will also be developing its help for refugees and sponsors. This will include working with the local voluntary and faith sectors to provide a warm welcome, a new home where people can feel safe, and ongoing community connection for Ukrainian refugees coming to Calderdale.
The Ukrainian flag will fly at Halifax Town Hall every weekend this month and Wainhouse Tower continues to be lit up yellow and blue.
Mayor of Calderdale Chris Pillai said: “Calderdale has a long tradition of welcoming refugees from around the world. We are a Valley of Sanctuary, with a strong network of organisations working together to create a friendly, inclusive borough for everyone.”
For more information visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/community-and-living/ equality-and-diversity/supporting-ukraine.
Meantime, Ukrainians seeking sanctuary in Calderdale are being invited to visit a one-stop shop offering essential items for free.
Set up at D Mill at Dean Clough in Halifax by Halifax Ukrainian Club and The Leo Group, it will offer refugees everything from toiletries, toys and clothing to cosmetics and bedding for no charge.
The shop is open from 9am until 3pm every Monday and Friday. Donations of new items to hand out are being welcomed and can be dropped off between 9am and 5pm on Mondays and Fridays, along with donations of aid items to be sent to Ukraine and its border with Poland. For more information and a full list of what is needed, visit https:// www.savingukraine2022.com/
The King’s Centre at Park Road, Halifax, has offered to become a focal point for sponsors and new arrivals and will be serving Ukrainian food.