December 27, 2023 Ontario, Canada. Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis, a volunteer-led group focused on helping displaced Ukrainian people fleeing the devastating war in their country, are once again reaching out to the community for help during this Holiday Season. It is crucial to find temporary accommodations for Ukrainian individuals and families relocating to Canada. On a weekly basis Grassroots receives approximately 10 requests for help from families/individuals. Grassroots currently operates several houses helping over 75 people at a time, not only with housing but employment and settlement support. We are seeking donations to not only continue this essential emergency housing support but also expand it as the need continues to grow. Emergency & short-term housing is currently in Waterloo Region, Tillsonburg, Listowel, Palmerston, Brunner with additional locations coming soon. We have a poignant story to share, a story based on true events, one rooted in harsh reality. It's a narrative that speaks to the heart of our mission and underscores the need for support. A family of three, fleeing the terrors of the Ukrainian war, arrived in Canada during the winter. They had lost everything back home and sought a fresh start. Upon landing, with limited English and hearts heavy with the scars of war, they found momentary solace through volunteers who helped them secure a hotel room and government financial aid. Initially, Canada seemed like a sanctuary of kind-hearted people, but their hope soon faced a harsh test. As the 14-day hotel stay neared its end, they were hit with a daunting realization: they had four days left and no idea where to go next. Despite their pleas for guidance, the response was cold and clear: "It's your problem." With the little money they had, they found a rental place. In their naivety and desperation, they paid the first and last month’s rent via bank transfer, only to discover they had been scammed. The real landlord soon came knocking for rent they couldn't afford. With just $1,000 left and no home, they faced the ruthless cold of the streets. The father, who had secured a job despite his low English proficiency, was let go when his employer learned of his homelessness. The family's brief stint in a tent on the streets led to their child falling gravely ill, necessitating a five-hour hospital stay. Their ordeal on the streets shattered them. Hope faded. By the time they connected with us through local volunteers, it was too late. Though we provided what aid we could, their spirit to start anew in Canada was irreparably broken. Ultimately, they chose to leave the country. Stories like these are tragically common. Many Ukrainians arrive with a work permit, not as refugees, and are expected to fend for themselves. The harsh reality is that without support, even the most resilient can find themselves in despair.
You have the power to be an agent of change, a beacon of hope, a fulfiller of dreams. Join us in our mission to provide the basic necessities to Ukrainian families, children, and single mothers struggling to rebuild their lives in Canada. Your support can turn the tide of despair into a story of hope and new beginnings.
Please consider donating through our website to receive a tax receipt. Visit our website at http://www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca or mail us at wrgrassrootsresponse@gmail.com and be part of the change.
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