Ukrainian refugees are en route to Sacramento. Here’s how you can help locally
Local organizations are mobilizing support following the White House’s announcement on March 24 that the United States will be accepting refugees who are fleeing from Ukraine, as the Russian invasion intensifies.
The Biden Administration acknowledged that many Ukrainian refugees may want to stay in Europe to be near family and their homes, but the U.S. will prepare to take in up to 100,000 refugees.
As of late March, the United Nations Refugee Agency reported more than 4 million people have fled Ukraine since Feb. 24 when the Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities began. Many have escaped to nearby countries, such as Poland, Romania, The Republic of Moldova and Hungary.
“In particular, we are working to expand and develop new programs with a focus on welcoming Ukrainians who have family members in the United States,” according to the White House announcement.
Sacramento has a dense population of people of Ukrainian descent. In fact, the county has one of the biggest communities of native-born Ukranians in the country, with 15,000 people in 2015 to 2019, according to the U.S. Census.
Churches in the area and local resettlement programs are currently asking for donations and support from local residents to help the potential incoming influx of Ukrainian refugees.
World Relief Sacramento
8160 14th Ave., Sacramento
Vanassa Hamra, community engagement manager at World Relief Sacramento, said that they expect a large percentage of Ukrainian refugees to come to the capital city since there is an existing Ukrainian community. Hamra said they got news this week that World Relief, a Christian humanitarian organization, will be accepting their first Ukrainian family in April.
The organization will be helping incoming individuals with picking them up at the airport, finding housing and getting them access to social services, Hamra said. World Relief will also assist refugees with finding jobs, school and English language program enrollment, and helping with immigration and legal services.
“It’s really not just about getting somebody here and getting them the essentials...,” she said. “But ultimately getting them connected to the Sacramento community and that they are feeling a sense of belonging in their new home.”
Hamra said donating to World Relief will help both local, on-the-ground efforts and work that’s being done in Ukraine.
Donating welcome kits, household items and goods such as furniture, new bedding or bicycles, will also help incoming families. You can drop off these items from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays at 8160 14th Avenue. You can also send donation items to the address or schedule a pick up for larger goods.
House of Bread Church
6521 Hazel Ave., Orangevale
House of Bread Church in Orangevale, is taking donations to fund refugee resources, such as resettlement counseling and training, and to help volunteers in Ukraine evacuate citizens.
According to a previous report from The Bee: “In the past month, the church has raised more than $400,000 and purchased dozens of minivans, gas, mattresses and temporary shelter for thousands of civilians fleeing the war.”
Lao Family Community Development
7171 Bowling Dr., Ste 1120, Sacramento
3205 Hurley Way, Sacramento
Lao Family Community Development is a resettlement agency with two locations in Sacramento. Kathy Chao Rothberg, the organization’s chief executive officer, said that they are partnering with a local church to create housing services for Ukrainian refugees coming to Sacramento.
Chao Rothberg said that many who have fled from Ukraine are now in San Diego and Los Angeles, but due to limited resources, some are driving up to Sacramento. She said these individuals did not come to the U.S. as a part of Biden’s plan to resettle 100,000 refugees; instead, they came on their own under visitor permission and will need sponsorship from friends and family.
The LFCD is working on a housing crisis program, which will provide incoming refugees with a place to stay near the partnering church and LCFD office. The agency is also working with hotels to secure rooms and is in the escrow process for local properties.
You can help LFCD’s efforts by donating money, clothes or household items. You can bring your donated goods to one of their locations.
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services
1951 Bell Ave., Sacramento (Food bank)
3333 Third Ave., Sacramento (Family services)
The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services offers resettlement services to refugees provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
“Our Refugee Resettlement Services team is ready and willing to welcome individuals from Ukraine as soon as they are allocated to our program by USCCB,” Kevin Buffalino, the organization’s director of communications said in an email statement.
Through the food bank, refugees receive help with housing, airport transportation and application to benefits, such as CalFresh. The organization also assists refugees with English class enrollment and job training, and provides them with food and clothing.
Residents can donate to help refugee families coming to Sacramento online.
Spring of Life Church
5948 Pecan Ave., Orangevale
Spring of Life Church serves about 800 Ukrainian immigrants in the Sacramento area. The church has been accepting donations to help with evacuations, humanitarian aid and resettlement. Most recently, church members helped Ukrainian refugees at the Mexico-U.S. border, according to the GoFundMe donation page.
People can apply to be a host for incoming refugees online via the church. It’s important to note that SOL Church is not a refugee placement agency.
“We are not able to do any background checks on the refugees, due to lack of resources,” the church wrote on its website. “The host family assumes all risk and responsibility when taking them into their home.”
Do you know an organization in the Sacramento area that is helping to support Ukrainian refugees coming to the U.S.? Let us know below.
This story was originally published April 2, 2022 at 5:00 AM.