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Press Release

3 July 2023

Could you offer a Ukrainian refugee a home?

Fareham Borough Council is seeking new potential hosts for some of its Ukrainian guests staying in the Borough under the Homes For Ukraine scheme.

There are currently 34 households hosting Ukrainian guests in the Borough, several of which have been hosting since May 2022 when the scheme first began. Many of the hosts feel their Ukrainian guests are now part of the family and have been inspired by their resilience. However, sometimes the host’s circumstances change and a new host is needed because the current host is moving house or has a baby on the way.

Our Ukrainian guests have been busy establishing themselves within the Fareham Community since their arrival, with the vast majority now speaking English, securing jobs and getting their children settled in local schools. Some are hoping to go back to Ukraine when they feel it is safe to do so and others may be focussing on securing better employment so they can sustain a rented property in the future.

The Council is seeking residents that could host individual Ukrainians or Ukrainian families for a monthly payment of £500 per month. It is also looking for people who would welcome Ukrainian lodgers for a private rent to the house owner.

If you would be interested in opening your home or a rental property to a Ukrainian refugee, please email ukrainesupport@fareham.gov.uk.

Alina Antypenko, one of Fareham’s Ukrainian guests said: “I want to share our good experience of living with a host family. We live with absolutely wonderful people. They are so friendly that we feel that we are a part of their family.”

Naomi Ware from one of Fareham’s host families agreed, saying: “Our experience as hosts has been absolutely amazing and I am so glad we decided to go for it. We are now 14 months in and have gained three amazing family members who we will always be close to. We have learnt so much from the experience and would not change a single thing.”

Cllr Seán Woodward, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, added: “It is devastating that this senseless war continues to displace Ukrainian people and divide families. Our hosts have opened their homes and their hearts to our Ukrainian guests, and I hope we can continue to provide them with housing options and support within the Borough. I encourage residents to register their interest today.”

ENDS