Ottawa’s Help Centre for Ukrainian Newcomers Folds Amidst Funding Challenges The Help Centre for Ukrainian Newcomers (HCU), a lifeline for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ottawa, has closed its doors due to a lack of funding. The centre, which opened in March 2022, had provided essential support to thousands of Ukrainians seeking shelter, food, clothing, and guidance in navigating their new life in Canada. The HCU was initially funded by a $250,000 grant from the City of Ottawa and donations from the community. However, these funds have now run out, and the centre has been unable to secure additional support. “We were facing a funding cliff,” said Nataliya Fedorenko, a founder and former director of the HCU. “We made multiple appeals to various government agencies and private organizations, but unfortunately, we were unsuccessful.” The closure of the HCU leaves a significant gap in services for Ukrainian newcomers. The centre provided a safe and welcoming space where refugees could connect with their community, learn about their rights and responsibilities in Canada, and receive support for their physical and mental well-being. “This is a huge loss for the Ukrainian community in Ottawa,” said Oksana Dykun, a volunteer at the HCU. “The centre was a lifeline for many of us, especially those who arrived with little or no support.” The closure of the HCU also raises concerns about the long-term needs of Ukrainian refugees in Canada. While the initial emergency response has been successful in providing immediate assistance, there is a need for ongoing support as refugees settle into their new lives and integrate into Canadian society. Advocates for refugees are calling on the federal and provincial governments to provide more funding for settlement services and to ensure that Ukrainian newcomers have access to the same supports as other newcomers to Canada. “We must not abandon Ukrainian refugees once the initial crisis subsides,” said Lilia Burunciuc, Executive Director of the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization. “They need our continued support to build a successful and fulfilling life in their new home.”Maidan Market, a help centre established in Ottawa for Ukrainian refugees displaced by Russia’s invasion, has ceased its operations. The market provided vital support services and supplies, but demand has dwindled as refugees have had time to plan and settle in. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) deadline has also reduced the influx of refugees to Canada, contributing to the lower demand for services.Maidan Market, a help centre established in Ottawa for Ukrainian refugees displaced by Russia’s invasion, has ceased its operations. The market provided vital support services and supplies, but demand has dwindled as refugees have had time to plan and settle in. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) deadline has also reduced the influx of refugees to Canada, contributing to the lower demand for services. Despite the closure, English language classes will continue at Maidan Market’s space in Westgate Shopping Centre until an alternative classroom can be found. Svitlana Maksuita, a Ukrainian refugee and former leader of the market, expressed gratitude for the sense of belonging and hope it provided. The closure of Maidan Market highlights the importance of sustained community support for Ukrainian refugees who have already settled in Ottawa. Olenka Reshitnyk-Bastian, a market co-ordinator, emphasized the need to continue supporting these individuals and the possibility of reopening a similar space in the future if there is a demand.Ottawa’s Ukrainian Newcomer Help Centre Closes The Ukrainian Newcomer Help Centre in Ottawa, which has been providing support to Ukrainian newcomers since 2014, has announced its closure. The centre, which was operated by the Ottawa Ukrainian Community Foundation, offered a variety of services to newcomers, including language classes, settlement support, and employment counselling. The decision to close the centre was made due to a lack of funding. The centre had been relying on donations and grants to operate, but the funding had become unreliable. “We are very disappointed to have to close the centre,” said Oksana Kyzyk, the centre’s director. “We have helped so many newcomers over the years, and we are proud of the work that we have done.” The centre’s closure will leave a gap in services for Ukrainian newcomers in Ottawa. Many newcomers rely on the centre for support, and its closure will make it more difficult for them to settle into their new community. “This is a devastating loss for the Ukrainian community in Ottawa,” said Taras Zalusky, the president of the Ottawa Ukrainian Community Foundation. “The centre was a lifeline for so many newcomers, and its closure will make it much more difficult for them to succeed in their new country.” The centre’s staff and volunteers are currently working to ensure that the centre’s clients can access the services they need. They are also working to find a new operator for the centre.