Ukraine
Volunteer with Ukrainians
Looking for volunteer opportunities with Ukrainian refugees? Unfortunatly, we do not have specific timing on when they will start the resettlement process. At this time, we are creating a list of those who only want to work with Ukrainians.
Or start volunteering today!
Every volunteer must complete a background check. If you are looking to help all refugees, start the paperwork by clicking the button below.
National Updates
July 5, 2022
Resources for Ukraine migrants
https://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/2022/5/628f85164/seeking-safety-united-states-mexico-border.html
June 1, 2022
As of right now, the US Office of Refugee Resettlement has not granted refugee status to Ukrainians. However, individuals can obtain humanitarian parolee status.
What is a Parolee?
Certain Ukrainian individuals, or non-Ukrainian individuals who last habitually resided in Ukraine, who are also referred to as Ukrainians within this fact sheet, have been or will be granted humanitarian parole by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Ukrainian humanitarian parolees paroled into the U.S. between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2023, are eligible to apply for mainstream benefits, resettlement assistance, and other benefits available to refugees (with the exception of the initial resettlement program customarily referred to as Department of State’s Reception and Placement program), until the end of their parole term. These individuals’ spouses or unmarried children under the age of 21 who are paroled into the U.S after September 30, 2023, are also eligible to apply for these benefits.
How is Catholic Charities Helping?
As of June 1, 2022, Parolees will not be a part of the Department of State’s Reception and Placement program. Meaning, Catholic Charities will not be resettling individuals at this time. Our agency can help Parolees needing assistance with applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income, health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
How Can I Help?
The U.S. government has announced Uniting for Ukraine. People fleeing the war in Ukraine can apply to come to the U.S. with the support of a sponsor. That could be you! Visit www.ukraine.welcome.us for more information on how to sponsor a family. Please note, this is not a program of Catholic Charities.
Resources
Sponsorship Guidelines and Roles
Initial Sponsor Checklist
Guidance for Newcomers
Humanitarian Parolee Application
Home Supply Checklist
Guidance for Local Services
Want to be a Host Family?
USCIS is accepting host families. USCIS is only accepting online filing of Form I-134 by individuals agreeing to financially support Ukrainians and their immediate family members as part of Uniting for Ukraine.
You must be located in the United States to file Form I-134 online. Ukrainians seeking parole under Uniting for Ukraine may not file Form I-134 on their own behalf. Supporters must include the name of the beneficiary on Form I-134.
Supporters must file a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary they are planning to support, including minor children.
If you are agreeing to support a beneficiary seeking parole who is not applying under Uniting for Ukraine or a beneficiary seeking any other immigration benefit, you must file a paper Form I-134 through the appropriate Lockbox location.
The I-134 form is not a program of Catholic Charities, it is a U.S. government requirement.
March 24, 2022
The White House announced on March 24, 2022, that the U.S. would be providing refuge to Displaced Ukrainians. While it is expected many Ukrainians will choose to remain in Europe close to family and their homes in Ukraine, today, the United States is announcing plans to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s aggression through the full range of legal pathways, including the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. 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. The United States and the European Union are also coordinating closely to ensure that these efforts, and other forms of humanitarian admission or transfers, are complementary and provide much-needed support to Ukraine’s neighbors.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend does not know if or when the local resettlement efforts would begin in northeast Indiana. Catholic Charities will inform the community as new information becomes available.
Those interested in volunteering with this demographic can submit a request on our Volunteer Interest Form.
March 3, 2022
The current administration announced on March 3, 2022, that it will give temporary protection (TPS) to Ukrainians already in the US.
According to the administration, Ukrainians who arrived in the US on or prior to March 1, 2022, will be eligible to apply for what’s called temporary protected status (TPS), which will allow them to legally live and work in the US for the next 18 months. The government could decide to extend their protections after that 18-month period should the war or threats still exist. TPS has been used in the past to help immigrants of countries who have faced natural disasters and civil unrest.
At this time, the Biden administration has not indicated whether they will be granting refugee status to Ukrainians. Catholic Charities is unable to resettle individuals through our Refugee Program unless they have been designated as a refugee through the UN and ORR.
How is the Church Responding to Ukrainians in Need?
CRS and Caritas are preparing across Ukraine and in bordering countries, ready to provide safe shelter, hot meals, hygiene supplies, transport to safe areas, counseling support and more.
Knights of Columbus is on the ground in Ukraine providing temporary shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing, communications and religious supplies to those fleeing.
Aid to the Church in Need provides support for the Church in Ukraine and her priests and nuns.