Looking for home for Ukrainian refugees

Submitted by bostonforukraine t3_z5gpob in CambridgeMA

Hi r/cambridgema ! I am searching for a home for a family from the city of Kharkiv, in Ukraine. They are a mama, a papa and a 9 year old boy, Max. They currently live in Cambridge and they're hoping to stay here. I am their close family friend and translator)

About them:

-They came to the Boston area in April after sheltering in the basement of their apartment building, then living in refugee camps. They were originally staying with an acquaintance in Everett, but he could not tolerate living with a child for long term, so they are urgently searching for somewhere to live.

-Both parents received their work permits and have started to work; papa is working construction and mama got a job part-time at the Fresh Pond Mall in Cambridge. All members of the family are learning English (and very quickly, I might add!)

-Max is so much fun, actually he is like my little brother) he LOVES cats, loves to draw maps, he's a very active and wiggly guy) He witnessed some real horrors that no child should see, he has PTSD and is receiving treatment

-At the moment, the family is able to pay only utilities and very low rent, as the costs of Max's treatment are overwhelming. We all hope that this can change soon as Max learns some good coping strategies, and the family gets back on their feet. If you agree to host this family, it will be mostly out of the goodness of your heart; most of the compensation will be in Ukrainian food and gratitude)

Here are two pictures. The family - mama, papa and Max. And here are Max and I

Please let me know if you have a place in your home for these people! And don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. Thank you so much for reading. Glory to Ukraine 💙💛

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Comments

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KatinkaVonHamhof t1_ixxqiix wrote

Hi there, I don't have a place for your friends, but I have tons of household items that I'd happily donate for free - some small furniture, a complete set of dishes, some pots/pans, a toaster, etc.

I'd be very glad to pass them items along if helpful. Feel free to PM me for my contact info.

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bostonforukraine OP t1_ixxupdh wrote

Hi there! When they get an apartment this could really come in handy, thank you so much! I will send you a PM

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dca_user t1_ixyr6ka wrote

Have you contacted the Mayor’s office and/or some local non-profits that help refugees? They will know of any formal programs to help these folks with housing and income.

And thank you for helping them!!

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dopamineonvacay t1_ixy77c4 wrote

I would not be able to host, but would be glad to give away some household items I have doubles or extras of (pans, knife set, lights, bowls, etc.) or help in any other way once they are able (hopefully in the near term) settle somewhere. I hope they are able to find and secure a short-term living arrangement soon, at the very least.

I work for a local non-profit and we recently have collected job listings posted by local retailers, in case that would be helpful (if the mama is looking to transition at any point).

I am guessing you are in touch with the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition or Cambridge Volunteer Clearinghouse, and the City of Cambridge, etc. I’m not sure /exactly/ what the CNC and CVC would be able to do to help, but I know they’re pretty well networked and might be able to support in finding a temp place to stay?

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blissvillain t1_iy0bcft wrote

CEOC at 11 Inman St (Central Square, behind City Hall) could be a great resource as well. They have a food pantry and a variety of benefit advocacy services and free tax preparation.

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wanderer_yh t1_iy9ercj wrote

I was a psych minor at college and often do some free therapeutic consulting to my friends. I don't have space to host but I might be able to provide some amature but free and friendly coping session for Max if they are interested. (I have two cats as well!) I may also be able to provide some other assistance if made acquaintance, like household stuff and some social network.

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