
Hamilton Welcomes Ukrainians
With the war in Ukraine it is anticipated tens of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing war will make their way to Canada.
The City of Hamilton is facilitating a local community response to support Ukrainian arrivals.
Proactive coordination between local Ukrainian community, the City, immigration/resettlement agencies, public health and health care agencies, social services (housing and income supports), child care and education is needed to safely support and warmly welcome the arrival of Ukrainian newcomers.
Ukrainian Welcome & Information Centre
Check back for future opportunities.
Thank you to the Ukrainian newcomers, host families and community partners who made the May 2 event a success.
At the first drop-in event, Ukrainian newcomers and host families were able to access a one-stop location for information and services including primary care and health, income supports, housing, education, child care, immigration and partnerships within Hamilton.
The Ukrainian Welcome and Information Centre will offer future drop-in dates based on demand/need as new individuals and families arrive.
Information & support for Ukrainian newcomers & host families
Welcome and Information Guide for Ukrainians Arriving in Hamilton English (PDF, 727 KB) | Ukrainian (PDF, 874 KB)
Federal benefits
- Learn more about Government of Canada Immigration measure for people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- The Federal Government has created the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), that allows visitors to temporarily reside and work in Canada for up to three years.
Health
- Ukrainians in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) are eligible for coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The province pays for medically-necessary health services covered by OHIP.
- Learn how to apply for OHIP, including what documents are needed, or call ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559).
- The Ontario Drug Benefit Program helps cover the cost of about 5,000 prescription drugs. Learn how to get help paying for prescription drugs
- If you have a long-term physical disability, you can get help paying for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program.
See information on the offering a range of immigration and settlement supports offered by the Province of Ontario
Housing
Ukrainians seeking accommodations
- If you have arrived in Hamilton from Ukraine or are planning to arrive and are looking for housing, please fill out the Ukrainians Seeking Accommodations Form. This will help the YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford find appropriate home/housing options.
Billeting or volunteer support to provide housing
- The YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford is collecting offers of billeting or volunteer support to provide housing, please fill out the I Want to Help Form.
Income support
Ukrainians in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel are eligible to apply for Emergency Assistance which provides temporary financial support for basic needs and shelter in crisis situations while you apply for the Federal Income Supports.
If you live in the City of Hamilton and do not have enough money for things like food, housing and prescription drugs etc you may qualify for Emergency Assistance.
To apply:
- if you are a refugee claimant, have a Canadian social insurance number (SIN), and an email address you can apply online
- if you received a Canada- Ukraine authorization for emergency travel visa, you can contact your local Hamilton Ontario Works office or call 905-546-4800
Donate & get involved
- Canadian Red Cross
- Ukrainian-Canadian Congress
- Follow & support the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Hamilton to keep informed about ways to help Ukrainians in Hamilton and abroad.
- Donate to Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund
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