When war first broke out in Ukraine, Leanne Arnott knew she needed to do something but at the time was unsure of what she could do to help, now she’s helping Ukrainian families fleeing their homeland find new homes in Canada.
“I have no Ukrainian heritage, but my best friend is Ukrainian and when I started seeing what was going on I started looking for ways to help,” said Arnott.
She now has a list of over 100 families seeking safety in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, but she is currently spearheading the search for hosts on the South Shore.
Arnott has also helped administer the Atlantic Canada hosts for Ukrainians and South Shore Nova Scotia Hosts for Ukrainians” Facebook pages, where Ukrainians and hosts can express what they need or what they have to offer.
With the hosts that have already come forward, we are ready to receive around 12 families, though if we had more hosts that number would increase,”
With almost all Ukrainians leaving the country fleeing from violence and bloodshed Arnott says it’s important to have a host family that fits the needs of the families coming over, which can vary vastly.
“Anyone considering hosting a family needs to be upfront about what they can do to help, all the Ukrainians I’ve spoken to have been so proud and are sheepish when asking for help, so we want our hosts to be able to explain what they are prepared to do ahead of time,” Arnott said.
The families looking to come to Nova Scotia vary in size, gender, and in their needs so Arnott says they try and pair families with hosts that are best positioned to help each particular family’s needs.
“Some are fluent in English, while others are not, some can drive, some will need help getting around, but overall they all want to work and help be a part of the community they are seeking to join.”
All of the families Arontt has spoken with intend to move to Canada permanently and she says many will be seeking their own housing once they are placed with hosts.
She is however concerned that finding permanent housing could take some time as Nova Scotia is already experiencing a housing crisis.
Arnott is encouraging people to come forward quickly if they can host as she says with the arrival of a chartered flight into Halifax on June 2, things are set to begin developing very quickly.
No families have arrived on the South Shore as of yet, but Arnott says she will be hosting a family herself and she is hopeful they will arrive in the coming weeks.
Anyone interested in hosting a family is encouraged to reach out to either of the Facebook groups mentioned above in this story.