Would you offer your room to a refugee from Ukraine? (original) (raw)

Would you offer a room to a refugee from Ukraine?

It is a question many people have been asking themselves over the past few days as millions of Ukrainians begin to flee in to Europe, in the wake of the Russian military offensive that was launched on their country.

The United Nations (UN) has said that two million refugees have now fled the country since Russia invaded. 1,204,000 refugees have fled to Poland, 141,000 to Slovakia and 191,000 to Hungary. So far, the UK has granted visas to 300 Ukrainian refugees.

Now, as the war continues to rage on leaving many without homes, we asked our readers if they would be willing to give up a room to a Ukrainian refugee, and here's what they said.

Refugees fleeing Ukraine (Image: Getty Images)

Lel Gaunt said: "Absolutely, those poor people deserve all the help they can get. Horrendous watching what's happening and feel helpless. Many people around the world need aid/help and if I can help in any way I will."

Roy Lumsden said: "Bit of a hard one for me. Would have to meet them first, you can't just have anyone living under your roof. Nice to say yes, but not sure. Would like to think so, but would have to meet them and decide for ourselves."

Simon Welsh Scouter said: "As a family we have chatted about this and yes we would but it would have to be on a fixed time period, say six month this should give the government time to work out how the long term plan is going to work."

Gillian Evans said: "I'd offer a room to anyone that needed it. Regardless of their nationality. We are all human and if you can't show compassion and empathy, maybe you need to go take a cold hard look in what the mirror shows."

Donna Plant said: "Honestly, I would like to think I could, but realistically I know I couldn't. What is happening in Ukraine is awful, devastating, however I need to think of my own family and children and I don't think it would be healthy for them."

Sabine Woy said: "Yes, my family is East Prussian and fled to then West Germany as the Berlin Wall was being built. History is repeating itself and it breaks my heart."

Claire Walker said: "I wouldn't, I know its sad what is happening and I do feel for Ukraine. However realistically would you bring strangers into your family home and potentially put your own family at risk. And that's not a risk I'm willing to take."

Geoff Evans said: "Of course. However. The amount of empty homes we have here, why would we need to? Offer those and then ask us to support them as communities. That would be better surely?"

Rachel Carolyn said: "Yes, these people need protecting. They are literally fleeing for their lives from bombs and bullets. I’d hope if we had to flee to France or Poland that those countries would do the same for us."

Alex Louise said: "My grandmother's parents housed a family of Belgian refugees during WW1, and even rented a bigger house to do so. They made friends for life."

Pamela Dekel said: "I believe charity begins at home it saddens me to see anyone homeless and living in the streets .The whole world is going through dreadful times and l wonder what it's going to be like for the future generations."

Angela Austin said: "Absolutely, everyone deserves to live their lives without fear of being blown to pieces. A roof over your head, a warm place to sleep and food in your belly is all anybody wants, lets thank god that we have these things and show some compassion to those that don't."

Kayrene Griffiths said: "I’d offer a child a room, may sound harsh, but that’s what happened in WW2, the children came over in droves. My grans best friend was a refugee when they were children and all through their adulthood, so I know the children’s sadness first hand."

Nigel Jones said: "Without a doubt. They deserve our help."

Helen Mau, who said that she has worked with refugees, said that she would.

"They all need our love and help regardless of their religion or skin colour," she added.

People carry their belongings at the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing in Korczowa

People carry their belongings at the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing in Korczowa (Image: AP/PA photowire service)

Gillian Evans agreed, she said: "I'd offer a room to anyone that needed it. Regardless of their nationality. We are all human and if you can't show compassion and empathy, maybe you need to go take a cold hard look in what the mirror shows!"

Maher Dababneh said: "Absolutely, housing a refugee would be a great blessing and honour. And most certainly I would be humbled to receive this honour!"

Alex Louise had a personal reason for his decision.

She said: "My grandmother's parents housed a family of Belgian refugees during WW1, and even rented a bigger house to do so. They made friends for life."

But Alireza Mahdiyezade pointed out that conflict was an issue in other parts of the world, not just in Ukraine.

"I would offer a room to any national refugee such as Afghanistan and the other countries," he explained.

"Please open your eyes and look at the other nations not only Ukrainian. They all human doesn’t matter where they are from."

Financial stability was a concern for Jenny Walker.

She said: "If I had enough room and the money to help a Ukrainian refugee I would offer to help.

"Unfortunately as a single Mum of two and I’m an unpaid carer, so as it is I’m already struggling with the cost of everything going up.

"It’s utterly heartbreaking beyond words to see what is happening to the Ukrainian people, I can’t even begin to imagine the daily fear they face, the loss of their loved ones, their homes have been destroyed, they are being inhumanely trapped in Mariupol and in other cities under siege without food, water, electricity, medical supplies, warmth".

Becky Stocks added: "I don’t have a room to offer I’m afraid but how about we house some refugees in the massive homes owned by Russian oligarchs (just seize them under proceeds of crime act) nobody is ever in those luxury homes anyway.

"Sending prayers to Ukraine right now".

To get the latest news sent straight to your email inbox sign up for our free WalesOnline newsletter by clicking here .