New host families needed in South Wiltshire for Ukrainians
The government scheme was only designed to last six months
Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine say there is an urgent need for more host families in South Wiltshire to house Ukrainian refugees.
More than two thousand eight hundred households in Wiltshire signed up to the government's Homes for Ukraine Scheme, but it was only designed to last six months.
Now we're passing the half way mark, the group are asking people to think about longer term housing solutions for those who fled the war.
They say that Ukrainians will struggle to secure rental properties, so they need to seek alternative methods.
The group, which was set up in April this year, recently held an event so they could discuss with Ukrainians what their possible next steps are.
Jane Ebel from the Hub says:
“At the Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine we have been supporting our guests with advice, help and information since the invasion of Ukraine began. We have formed good relations with the County Council and the Department of Work & Pensions, becoming mini experts in the field! It has thus become apparent that our work supporting them must continue during this next phase if they are in need of a new home.
“We know even some of the most valiant of hosts are feeling they’ve ‘done their bit’ and many Ukrainians here in Salisbury will need to seek alternative hosts as there is little chance of Ukrainians securing rental property in the area with current demands so high."
Any household in South Wiltshire who have space for a single Ukrainian or family is being encouraged to come forward and get in touch with the community group.
They're also calling on landlords with available properties not currently on the rental market will think about returning them to the housing stock to help.
You can call them on 07341141632 or email admin@salisburyukrainehub.org.uk.