“When we pray and ask God how we can help, sometimes God sends us poor, hungry, war-torn, and displaced people.”

Allen Macartney
Spur Ottawa Writer

The war in Ukraine is Europe’s biggest humanitarian crisis since World War 2. Millions of refugees have fled the country, and while eastern European countries are sheltering the vast majority, Ottawa has welcomed a number of Ukrainian families.

Algonquin College’s campus ministry, along with its student support services, organized English programs for Ukrainian refugees. More than 450 Ukrainians registered, and more are coming. Algonquin has become a hub of help, support, and spiritual care to them.

“Housing is one of our biggest needs,” says Yuriy Derkach, Algonquin’s Chaplain. “We are looking for believers who are willing to host either a Ukrainian family or Ukrainian student for the short term. It’s up to the Canadian host to decide what they can offer, whether one month, one semester, or full term accommodation.”

For families that express an openness, Derkach connects them with a family or student that fits their situation and helps arrange a meeting.

“If it’s a good match, they can make arrangements, including signing a contract of understanding and responsibilities.”

“It’s pretty easy to find a win-win situation.”

“It’s pretty simple,” adds Audrey Lawrence, who has already hosted several students at her home. “Have a clean bedroom available, with a bit of space for them to keep belongings.”

Audrey suggests discussing expectations early to avoid misunderstanding, including bathroom use, meal times, and internet access.

“Identify what you’re flexible with and what you’re not. It’s pretty easy to find a win-win situation. Speak slowly and check to ensure the person is understanding, not just nodding politely.”

Are you able to talk about spiritual things and your Christian faith? Lawrence says absolutely.

“One of the questions I ask in the first few days is if the student is a Christian, and if they would like to attend my church. Or I could arrange for them to go to the local Ukrainian church.”

Regardless of whether you discuss your beliefs, Lawrence says opening your home can be a real blessing to you, as well as them.

“If you have the space in your place, and in your heart, you may get lots of unexpected joy.”

“I’ve hosted many international students for years. It’s usually very pleasant experiencing different cultures and cuisine.”

This summer, Elva Tracy hosted a Ukrainian mother and 17-year-old daughter. They have now found their own apartment and Tracy will soon be hosting another student.

“The experience was good,” she says. “I’ve hosted many international students for years. It’s usually very pleasant experiencing different cultures and cuisine.”

Tamara Osadcha is a refugee student from Kyiv, who arrived in Ottawa in early September.

“I still suffer from culture shock,” she admits. “I am not yet a college student, because I must first take an English test. People tell me that my English is good, but personally I don’t feel that way. I absolutely can’t grasp the grammar.”

Osadcha fled to Germany after the war began. She connected with Derkach as she emailed Canadian colleges and universities.

“He helped me with everything; helped me find housing and gave me the opportunity to study in a free college program for Ukrainians.”

“We are all very grateful to Canadians, and will never forget your kindness.”

Serhii and Liudmyla Teslovych fled to Canada about six months ago. “We left for Poland on the first day of the war, because my wife is pregnant,” Serhii says. “Several months later we were able to come to Canada. We are not students, but still studying English.”

“Perhaps Canadians will never really understand what Ukrainians are enduring,” says Osadcha. “Circumstances have brought Ukrainians to our knees. Now we’re on the verge of survival. We are all very grateful to Canadians, and will never forget your kindness.”

Derkach underlines the need in Ottawa right now. “When we pray and ask God how we can help, sometimes God sends us poor, hungry, war-torn, and displaced people. God is giving us an opportunity, an opportunity to love Him by loving His people, by carrying each other’s burdens, by encouraging, uplifting, praying, healing, giving, and caring.”

If you are willing to host a Ukrainian refugee, please contact Yuriy Derkach.