Dozens more Ukrainian families to arrive in Kamloops; volunteers, housing options needed

“We (KIS) can provide trauma-informed counselling, we can go step-by-step at their pace. We understand what is it to leave so much behind,” she notes. “For many it might be a temporary solution, two or three years, but for others it would be a decision to make Canada their new home country. These are hard decisions.”

Acting as a coordinating hub for community organizations, KIS has already assisted four families in their settlement process, and Lamontagne says there are more on the way.

“We are expecting 17 (families) this week — probably, if all goes well with the last leg of their journey — and probably 15 more next week. All in all, we know of 40 that are coming in the next two weeks.”

Through KIS, people can be connected with free English classes, childminding services while they’re learning the language, employment counselling to find a job, community programs, housing options and more.

“We need to inspect housing offers and vet to make sure that those places are comfortable and safe for Ukrainian families,” explains Lamontagne. “Goods, we need to inspect the goods and make sure it’s proper furniture for example, small appliances — is it still in (working) order?”

There have been plenty of offers to help and Kamloops Immigrant Services says they will be in need of volunteers, and housing options to help families settle in.

KIS is asking people who have properties or suites available for rent to contact the agency to see if an inspection can be done, and to determine whether there’s a family that would be a good match.

“Kamloops citizens, residents have been extremely generous. So far everyone wants to help. They want to know, ‘How can I help?'”

For more information around how to get involved, or connect with the Kamloops hub, visit ImmigrantServices.ca.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

Dozens more Ukrainian families to arrive in Kamloops; volunteers, housing options needed

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