Peter McVerry Trust is playing a small but important role as part of Ireland’s response to the war in Ukraine.

This work with refugees is not a new departure for us as we have been helping people in Direct Provision since 2017. We have now helped hundreds of people leave direct provision and secure a home in the private rental sector.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic our pre-existing relationship with IPAS led to additional supports being offered by way of social care supports in hotels used by the State to accommodate new arrivals seeking asylum here.

When the war in Ukraine broke out our work in hotels for IPAS meant an immediate involvement in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war.

By late April the war has forced over 5.2 million people to flee their homes seeking safety, protection and assistance across Europe. Since the onset of the war over 25,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland, an unprecedented volume in such a short period of time.

Since late February, Peter McVerry Trust has provided social care support services to around 2,000 Ukrainian refugees and is now working with Government, Statutory Agencies and Local Authorities to help respond to the accommodation needs of those fleeing the war.