Hamilton community partners launch supports for Ukrainian newcomers and host families

HAMILTON, ON – The City and community partners are working together to support and welcome Ukrainian arrivals to our community through Hamilton’s Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Response.

As part of a whole community response the Ukrainian Canada Congress - Hamilton Chapter (UCC) in partnership with the City of Hamilton and community partners will launch a Ukrainian Welcome and Information Centre with an aim to support the resettlement of Ukrainian newcomers who have arrived in Hamilton and host families.

At the first drop-in event on May 2, Ukrainian newcomers and host families are invited to access a one-stop location for information and services including primary care and health, income supports, housing, education, child care, immigration and partnerships within Hamilton.

Ukrainian Welcome and Information Centre

Ukrainian Catholic Church of Resurrection (821 Upper Wentworth St. Hamilton, ON)  on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 10 am to 4 pm. Registration not required. Public Health measures will be in place (masking, physical distancing and hand sanitizer). Translation services will be available on site.

The Ukrainian Welcome and Information Centre will offer future drop-in dates based on demand/need as new individuals and families arrive.

With the war in Ukraine it is anticipated tens of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing war will make their way to Canada. The City of Hamilton is facilitating a local community response to support Ukrainian arrivals. Proactive coordination between local Ukrainian community, the City, immigration/resettlement agencies, public health and health care agencies, social services (housing and income supports), child care and education is needed to safely support and warmly welcome the arrival of Ukrainian newcomers.

Participating organizations include Ukrainian Canadian Congress with Ukraine Social Services, Red Cross, City of Hamilton, Ontario Works, Service Canada, primary care and mental health supports, Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council, YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford, Wesley, community employment services, YWCA Hamilton, Immigrant Working Centre, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton Wentworth District Catholic School Board.

Quick facts

• Between January 1 and April 17, 14,875 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada by land and 4,753 have landed by air.
• Through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET), over 163,747 applications have been received, and 56,633 of them have been approved.
• Locally it is estimated 1,500 – 2,000 Ukrainian newcomers can be supported through this response in Hamilton over the next few months, with federal funding/assistance.