Ukrainian Village is a transitional housing initiative that provides free, safe, and supportive housing for Ukrainians fleeing war, and starting a life here on Vancouver Island.
Ukrainian Village opened in Victoria August 6th, 2022. It is a partnership between the Ukrainian-Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island, the Kiwanis Club of Victoria, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Ukrainian Catholic Church, Help Ukraine Vancouver Island Society, the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress (Victoria Branch), the Capital Regional District, and the Victoria Foundation.
The village has 13 rooms, similar to large dorm rooms. They have at least two single beds and a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, as well as a private washroom with a shower. There is also a communal kitchen and living area, as well as free on-site laundry facilities.
It is intended for women, single mothers, seniors, and people with disabilities to stay for up to three months before moving into their own place. Consequently, there is a regular rotation of people coming through.
The guests of Ukrainian Village are provided support in a space that is filled with community members, so they don’t feel isolated. In cooperation with Help Ukraine Vancouver Island Society, VICCIR and many volunteers, Ukrainian Village provides its guests with English classes, counsellor services, and grocery supplies. Many volunteers help the guests to settle into a routine, obtain necessary documents, update resumes, and apply for jobs, while ensuring a safe and friendly environment.
If you are a Ukrainian who meets the above criteria, who would like to apply for a spot at Ukrainian Village, please complete the application for assistance.
If you would like to volunteer, please complete the volunteer application.
Monetary donations can be made to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Donations of some physical items may be accepted, as needed. For details, please contact Liuba.
For almost a year now, the Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island has been managing and supporting a temporary housing project for Ukrainians affected by the war in Ukraine.
With the support of sponsors and private donations, the Ukrainian Village exists and provides a free and safe shelter to the most vulnerable population – women, single mothers with children and the elderly. About 50 people have already received the opportunity to live for free for the first three months in Canada and use this time to get the necessary documents, undergo a medical examination, enroll in English courses, find a job and rent their own housing.
The pictures show our guests from Mariupol: Tamara, her daughter Oksana and grandson Daniel. The family was forced to seek asylum, first in Poland, where Daniel was born, and now they live in Canada, where Daniel recently celebrated his first birthday in the Ukrainian Village.
If you would like to support our project and people fleeing the war, please send your donations here (option 2).
Unfortunately, the war is not over yet and any amount will help us to keep this charitable project afloat.
