Irish Red Cross renews appeal to public to house Ukrainian refugees

The Irish Red Cross has renewed its appeal for the Irish public to consider pledging a room in their homes for Ukrainians.

The 'Safe Homes' appeal has also called on landlords and those with vacant properties to consider hosting families fleeing war. The pledges will take "significant pressure off State and private accommodation", by providing those fleeing the war-torn Ukraine with a safe place to stay, according to the charity.

Roughly a quarter of displaced Ukrainians in State-sponsored accommodation are currently being housed in pledged accommodation.

The Irish Red Cross-led Consortium of Partners have placed 10,842 beneficiaries in 4,757 properties, but it is concerned that those fleeing Ukraine will find themselves homeless here.

A revised policy, introduced on 14 March means those fleeing the war in Ukraine, who register for temporary protection and are looking for State-provided accommodation in Ireland, will be accommodated for a maximum of 90 days.

The charity said the pledging of accommodation has been "immensely successful" in providing temporary accommodation to those arriving in Ireland.

An online survey of 430 of those with experience of pledged accommodation conducted by the Irish Red Cross found that displaced Ukrainians are "overwhelmingly satisfied" with their experience in hosted accommodation in Ireland. Around 80 per cent reported being as "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their experience in pledged accommodation. A total of 74 per cent described the relationship with their host as "friendly and supportive" or "familial".