Brooks ready to support Ukrainian refugees

He said the city can expect to see Ukrainian refugees in a few weeks, but it is hard to say how many.

Idriss said there are currently around 20 Ukrainian families in the Brooks area.

And since early March, the community has been coming together to help formulate a city-wide plan of response.

Idriss said so far, three churches have stepped up to offer refugees flights, housing and supplies.

And since most of the refugees will be women and children, The SPEC Association for Children and Families will be lending a helping hand.

Language supports will also be arranged as well but Idress said, the biggest challenge refugees will face will be finding longer-term support that is sustainable.

“I understand that the government is considering different options around income support, and things like that,” he said. “

But as I see it now, many of the people who are going to be coming are women and children so if there is no proper childcare if, if there is no proper place where the mother can leave the child for employment, I think there would be a struggle with employment, and if there is a struggle with employment, I think there would be a need for some ongoing income support.”

Idriss said he is grateful for local residents and the amount of support they have shown so far.

by Tiffany Goodwein

Brooks ready to support Ukrainian refugees

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