Sponsors of the Homes for Ukraine scheme originally signed up to host guests for at least six months, with the option for those who are willing and able to continue beyond this. Not all hosts are able to continue to offer accommodation to guests beyond six months and some of those guests are not yet ready to move on to private rented accommodation. The county is now in need of new hosts to offer them a safe haven while the war in Ukraine continues.
The council is looking for a wide range of homes for single people, mothers with children, and larger families. Areas in particular need of new hosts are Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Haverhill, Ipswich and Lowestoft.
Self-contained accommodation is particularly helpful, for instance an annexe, holiday let or second home.
It is now possible to register with Suffolk County Council if you are interested in hosting a Ukrainian family – visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/ukraine to find out more.
In partnership with the County Council, Community Action Suffolk are holding a number of drop-in sessions over the coming weeks, for potential new hosts to find out more about hosting a Ukrainian family.
There will be opportunities to ask questions and understand more about what is involved, including what makes a suitable property, what checks they will need to undertake and more information about the matching process.
The events are aimed at anyone who is interested in hosting Ukrainian guests, either in their own home or a separate property that they own.
Councillor Bobby Bennett, Cabinet Member for Equality and Communities, said:
