More than 1,000 Connecticut residents have stepped forward to help Ukrainian refugees find housing, government benefits and other services, according to a refugee support group.
Many of those offering to help are members of the state’s Ukrainian community, but others are affiliated with churches, mosques, synagogues, fraternal groups and other community centers, said Chris George, executive director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services.
“What’s unusual about this is that Ukrainians are not being resettled like traditional refugees,” he said. “Refugee resettlement agencies were totally exhausted settling 80,000 Afghans in a short period of time.”
Since June 29, 1,123 applications as part of the Uniting for Ukraine applications have been submitted in Connecticut, George said. The federal program provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members to come to the United States and stay for two years. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a U.S. supporter who agrees to provide financial support during their stay.
The commitment is significant. Residents who agree to help Ukrainians find housing, enroll children in school, find health care resources, help with English instruction and applications for work authorization and benefits such as food stamps.
“It takes a group to do this well,” George said.
President Joe Biden announced in April the U.S. would accept up to 100,000 people and Gov. Ned Lamont said Connecticut would welcome Ukrainian refugees.
A Hartford immigration lawyer is heading up an effort of her own to find homes and sponsors in Connecticut for Ukrainians who were forced to flee their country.
For Dana Bucin, a lawyer at Murtha Cullina and chair of its Immigration Practice Group, the first step is to find Connecticut sponsors for Ukrainians who are at the southern border and hope to come to the United States. Sponsorship and a pledge to provide housing are her first concerns, she said.
“Without that I can’t bring them here,” Bucin said.
Her next step is to connect Ukrainian refugees to Connecticut’s job market, asking business executives about possible employment. Business owners and managers want to hire, but the work permit process takes a long time, she said.
Jobs are available as welders, electricians, plumbers, information technology, human resources, hearing aid specialists and in dental offices, Bucin said.
In an emailed statement, a spokeswoman said Friday the Lamont administration is working with the federal government to ensure Ukrainian refugees “who need a home have one in Connecticut. and is working through the Uniting for Ukraine program supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.