A staggering 120,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Canada over the past year. Alberta specifically, has become a safe haven for more than 26,000 Ukrainian people since Russia's invasion began over a year ago. Despite not being considered refugees under Canada's immigration program, a special authorization for emergency travel was created by the federal government and offers immediate assistance payment of up to $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child upon arrival.
Catholic Social Services is one community group working tirelessly towards supporting these newcomers whose needs continue to be complex as many Ukrainian families come without savings or connections. Catholic Social Services has been able to provide 25 government-funded hotel rooms where individuals can stay free of charge up to 2 weeks while permanent accommodations must ultimately be found elsewhere. Much assistance still remains necessary – displaced Ukrainians desperately need our help now more than ever before.
How can you help?
1. Donate to Catholic Social Services
2. Volunteer at a local community groups helping Ukrainian newcomers
3. Spread awareness about the needs of Ukrainian people arriving in Edmonton
4. Support organizations that are offering housing and other services for new arrivals
5. Help refugees secure employment opportunities
6. Assist families with language barriers in finding support networks
7. Provide cultural orientation programs for newcomers
8. Donate quality furniture and household items
9. Offer educational opportunities and career guidance to immigrants
10. Mentor young Ukrainians who have left their homes
Iconic Yeg supports the lease up efforts at various purpose built rental buildings within central Edmonton. In partnership with the developer we have been able to adjust our approval process to ensure more Ukrainian people arriving in Edmonton have access to expedient and safe housing. Currently at 121 West, an apartment building in the Brewery District, we are offering a $0.00 damage deposit to all Ukrainian new comers; as well providing property tours and lease signings in their native language.
At Iconic YEG we were incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with Catholic Social Services and through their network we were able to find our two newest employees Olena and Dmyrto!
Olena is a brilliant and dynamic leasing agent who supports our prospective tenants by finding their dream apartment that suits not only their needs, but their desired lifestyle. Fluent in English, Russian and Ukrainian, Olena has been instrumental in supporting both the Ukrainian newcomers and longstanding Edmontonians find their new homes.
Dmytro is Iconic’s Information Technology Business Analyst, and under his guidance we have been able to develop an efficient and robust system to support our real estate, project sales, and rental operations. Highly educated and business minded, we could not be more lucky than to have him on our team and supporting our future goals.
They have now been with our team for three months and have been absolute superstars and I am so excited to see how we grow to support future roles and employment opportunities for Ukrainian newcomers within our organization.
For more information or if you are a Ukrainian considering a move to Edmonton, please reach out to us and we can help find housing at 121 West, The Beacon at East Junction or with some of our other rental partners.
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