Would you offer your home to Ukrainian Refugees?

[lillythesavage]

Apparently more than 1200 have, my mate set off to Poland yesterday with a truck load of goods. IF I had known I would have gone too, will do if he does it again.

Seriously considering this, never have before because you never know if they are genuine refugees or chancers, it feels different this time. 

No it is not in the hope of a young female. I have enough spare room for a small family I guess.

[Offtoasda]

I would give money but to offer the home that i live in with all my valuables and documents to someone I don't know over a long term basis, just not a risk I'm willing to take tbh.  Don't care if it's a man or woman.

In some of the stuff I've read about people willing to offer their homes, I have seen quite a few specifically allowing only women to come.  Quite ridiculous in my opinion, they assume that refugee women are more trustworthy than refugee men

[Pillowtalk]

Apparently more than 1200 have, my mate set off to Poland yesterday with a truck load of goods. IF I had known I would have gone too, will do if he does it again.

Seriously considering this, never have before because you never know if they are genuine refugees or chancers, it feels different this time. 

No it is not in the hope of a young female. I have enough spare room for a small family I guess.

There are over 1m refugees in Poland but no refugee camps. My understanding is that all are being taken into private homes. Incredible generosity.

[lillythesavage]

There are over 1m refugees in Poland but no refugee camps. My understanding is that all are being taken into private homes. Incredible generosity.

Their is a group in the UK arranging this with proper checks before you are allowed to, plenty of strangers have come into my home and not stolen a thing, I doubt someone who has lost everything and is desperate for shelter would be any different, that does not worry me at all.

I doubt they are chancers either, turning up with no ID, claiming to be 14 or the like, they seem to be making it difficult enough to get in. 

I called my mate, work related, and he was on his way, going to look into that, driving an Artic out to Poland seems very worthwhile, even if unpaid.

Might play havoc sex wise though, could always give them a few quid to go out  .

[sir wanksalot]

There are over 1m refugees in Poland but no refugee camps. My understanding is that all are being taken into private homes. Incredible generosity.

Absolutely true. Polish FB groups are emphasising (even complaining) that this is being run by the people. The government are taking much of the credit but it's actually people themselves who have organised much of the help

[sir wanksalot]

Apparently more than 1200 have, my mate set off to Poland yesterday with a truck load of goods. IF I had known I would have gone too, will do if he does it again.

Seriously considering this, never have before because you never know if they are genuine refugees or chancers, it feels different this time. 

No it is not in the hope of a young female. I have enough spare room for a small family I guess.

I would consider it, yes but I'm also a fickle bastard who easily gets swayed by emotion so who knows?

Unlike some other so called refugees the Ukrainians are genuine war refugees who want nothing more than to be able to return to their homes without the threat of being bombed

[hermanmunster]

I've registered to possibly host a couple of refugees.  I think everybody who has the means should try and do the same (if able).  I have only done it once before and the couple of young guys I hosted were so shy - wouldn't ask for anything, expected nothing and were almost embarrassed to accept my hospitality (they considered themselves very, very lucky) - it was truly an honour and a humbling experience to have them. Experiencing something like that makes you re-evaluate your own priorities, life choices, materialism etc etc.

[anyfucker]

men of military age (18-60 i think) are not permitted to leave the country.
there are reports of the nazi groups killing any men who try to leave but don't know how reliable thisinformation is.

[JontyR]

Yes, I would. I think I could move in with relatives and allow my property to be used by a small family. It'd be an imposition, but nothing like the problems faced by those who would benefit. These folks are someone's children / parents etc. If the situation were reversed I'd like to think that someone would do the same for us.

I'd hope the government would not make this too difficult, I don't want to have to deal with the kind of liabilities faced by landlords.

Similarly if there were tented villages thrown up, I'd want to see if I could support - effectively adopt a familiy in terms of their needs and requirements.

[Blackpool Rock]

Apparently more than 1200 have, my mate set off to Poland yesterday with a truck load of goods. IF I had known I would have gone too, will do if he does it again.

Seriously considering this, never have before because you never know if they are genuine refugees or chancers, it feels different this time. 

No it is not in the hope of a young female. I have enough spare room for a small family I guess.

Don't think i'd offer anyone to stay in my house but then again I do get pissed off with people being in my house after a few hours and that includes my mates once the Footy has finished 

I know what you mean about it seeming slightly different, perhaps we are used to seeing famine in Africa or civil war causing a crisis and refugees coming from various middle east countries that you sort of get used to it.
But this is Europe albeit Eastern Europe and they are culturally more similar to us, more like your immediate family rather than cousins if that makes sense 
I think for that reason more people may be willing to pitch in and help in various ways as it's closer to home

[hermanmunster]

Yes, I would. I think I could move in with relatives and allow my property to be used by a small family. It'd be an imposition, but nothing like the problems faced by those who would benefit. These folks are someone's children / parents etc. If the situation were reversed I'd like to think that someone would do the same for us.

I'd hope the government would not make this too difficult, I don't want to have to deal with the kind of liabilities faced by landlords.

Similarly if there were tented villages thrown up, I'd want to see if I could support - effectively adopt a familiy in terms of their needs and requirements.

Well said - I agree 100%.

[royal_male]

Apparently more than 1200 have, my mate set off to Poland yesterday with a truck load of goods. IF I had known I would have gone too, will do if he does it again.

Seriously considering this, never have before because you never know if they are genuine refugees or chancers, it feels different this time. 

No it is not in the hope of a young female. I have enough spare room for a small family I guess.

A big difference compared to the Syrian refugee crisis, where there were only millitary aged males coming around. You can clearly see the difference who the real refugees are.

[lillythesavage]

I've registered to possibly host a couple of refugees.  I think everybody who has the means should try and do the same (if able).  I have only done it once before and the couple of young guys I hosted were so shy - wouldn't ask for anything, expected nothing and were almost embarrassed to accept my hospitality (they considered themselves very, very lucky) - it was truly an honour and a humbling experience to have them. Experiencing something like that makes you re-evaluate your own priorities, life choices, materialism etc etc.

Thanks for that, will have a good mull over tonight.

I could move out, as another poster mentioned, but that does not feel right, they are quite likely lost, with little in a strange country, staying and helping seems more useful  .

[PepeMAGA]

Single women with no kids, sure.

[standardpostage]

I would. But my other half wouldn't.
She likes her privacy.
I mentioned it once, renting out the spare room.
She was steadfastly dead against it.

[Colston36]

There are over 1m refugees in Poland but no refugee camps. My understanding is that all are being taken into private homes. Incredible generosity.

The Poles in my experience (I used to live with one) are very generous.

[Colston36]

men of military age (18-60 i think) are not permitted to leave the country.
there are reports of the nazi groups killing any men who try to leave but don't know how reliable thisinformation is.

What Nazi groups? That's Russian propaganda.

[Colston36]

Single women with no kids, sure.

Charming.

[lillythesavage]

Single women with no kids, sure.

Kids are the most innocent of the lot, I always have time for them, so would prefer that to a single woman to be honest.

[sparkus]

Not here but there was a news item last night about a teen girl with grandma on the move in Eastern Europe and being housed by 'volunteers' who met them at the train station in Budapest.  My sister was saying in countries with less 'safeguarding' than here it could be a boon for paedos pretending to have good intentions.

[sir wanksalot]

Not here but there was a news item last night about a teen girl with grandma on the move in Eastern Europe and being housed by 'volunteers' who met them at the train station in Budapest.  My sister was saying in countries with less 'safeguarding' than here it could be a boon for paedos pretending to have good intentions.

Yes. There are stories circulating that some predatory groups are hanging around the train stations. Some people have already disappeared after failing to meet relatives on the other side

[sparkus]

Yes. There are stories circulating that some predatory groups are hanging around the train stations. Some people have already disappeared after failing to meet relatives on the other side

Gulp, got a link for that?

[lillythesavage]

Not here but there was a news item last night about a teen girl with grandma on the move in Eastern Europe and being housed by 'volunteers' who met them at the train station in Budapest.  My sister was saying in countries with less 'safeguarding' than here it could be a boon for paedos pretending to have good intentions.

Blame the internet age for that, the world is full of wrong uns because we hear more about them, a wrong un until proved innocent in the eyes of some.

One of the reasons society is like it is, people are scared to talk to others, especially kids or do good things, in case others think they are wrong uns. Then some twats want to treat wrong uns as victims. So people shut their doors and live in an insular world, ignore crime because they do not want to get involved.

I must be a nutter, will talk to anyone anywhere, any age and watch the TV with the front door open in summer, sometimes winter too, if it is mild, go and fix things for people, buy the papers for the oldies, look after pets and kids if asked, life is to short to look at everyone as a suspect.

[Thecunninglinguist]

I have been considering over the last few days if I would and today they announced that in a few weeks they will allow in those sponsored by someone who lives here. I think the basic answer is yes a couple maybe but they would have to be middle aged/older and have a reasonable level of English. I am far too old for a crash course in Ukrainian. Although I don't think I would be prepared to for the long term.

[sir wanksalot]

Gulp, got a link for that?

This wasn't my source but worth a read nonetheless. The comment about Pornhub is particularly disgusting.

External Link/Members Only

[hendrix]

What Nazi groups? That's Russian propaganda.

The Azov battalion.

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[Marmalade]

U.K. Population is about 67 million.
Ukraine population 43 million.
EU population 447 m (described as ‘culturally diverse).
Biggest European refugee crisis in history.

U.K. population density is 730/mi²
Ukraine is used to half that.

Most countries have a share of good people and bad people.
Some countries are viewed as overall closer to ‘U.K. values’ than other countries.
Tax factors affecting someone taking in a refugee are at present unknown.
People’s circumstances vary.

I expect many people would feel similarly that…

…Given that they theoretically at least have the space, wherewithal and inclination to accept someone, it would be very different if it was somebody you had the chance to get to know first.

If the answer is yes, how ‘non-racist’ do you feel (rhetorical question, please don’t answer)…
about preferring a Ukrainian? a Syrian? a Hong Konger? a Russian? a Somalian?

In 2020, the UK received applications for asylum for 37,550 people (including dependants). This isn’t including refugees. And even that number is controversial, a lot of them accommodated in hotels. Some local councils are in revolt.

Many Ukrainians have limited English.

However generous the British people might (and some are doubtless more ‘generous’ when it comes to what ‘other people’ should do), I can see no way that people will willingly accommodate the numbers in need. Even Poland, which has close relations with Ukraine and doing an enormous amount is struggling. It has accepted 15% of its previous population (Sky News).

[Squire Haggard]

Latest...

''The British public will be able to offer accommodation to Ukrainian refugees as the government announces a new route to the UK for those fleeing the Russian invasion.

After criticism of the government’s strategy and the bureaucratic delays facing Ukrainians with family ties to the UK, the British public will be asked to house refugees who have no family ties who would be eligible to work, access state benefits and public services.

Government sources confirmed to the Guardian that as part of the widening of the sponsorship scheme, individuals, charities, businesses and community groups will be able to register to offer accommodation and employment via a hotline and webpage.

Those offering a place to stay will be vetted and have to agree to house a refugee for a minimum period.''

External Link/Members Only

[lillythesavage]

U.K. Population is about 67 million.
Ukraine population 43 million.
EU population 447 m (described as ‘culturally diverse).
Biggest European refugee crisis in history.

U.K. population density is 730/mi²
Ukraine is used to half that.

Most countries have a share of good people and bad people.
Some countries are viewed as overall closer to ‘U.K. values’ than other countries.
Tax factors affecting someone taking in a refugee are at present unknown.
People’s circumstances vary.

I expect many people would feel similarly that…

…Given that they theoretically at least have the space, wherewithal and inclination to accept someone, it would be very different if it was somebody you had the chance to get to know first.

If the answer is yes, how ‘non-racist’ do you feel (rhetorical question, please don’t answer)…
about preferring a Ukrainian? a Syrian? a Hong Konger? a Russian? a Somalian?

In 2020, the UK received applications for asylum for 37,550 people (including dependants). This isn’t including refugees. And even that number is controversial, a lot of them accommodated in hotels. Some local councils are in revolt.

Many Ukrainians have limited English.

However generous the British people might (and some are doubtless more ‘generous’ when it comes to what ‘other people’ should do), I can see no way that people will willingly accommodate the numbers in need. Even Poland, which has close relations with Ukraine and doing an enormous amount is struggling. It has accepted 15% of its previous population (Sky News).

As usual, overthinking and looking for obstacles rather than positives, what has race got to do with it?

They will not all be coming here, of course there will be more than those willing to house them, not what my question was about, it was asking for thoughts and experience of doing something to help 1 or 2 people in need, maybe children, not the politics of the world  , or being told to think what others expect me to think.

I have not considered it before because I was not in a position to do so, I am now, this is happening now.

[Marmalade]

As usual, overthinking and looking for obstacles rather than positives, what has race got to do with it?

They will not all be coming here, of course there will be more than those willing to house them, not what my question was about, it was asking for thoughts and experience of doing something to help 1 or 2 people in need, maybe children, not the politics of the world  , or being told to think what others expect me to think.

I have not considered it before because I was not in a position to do so, I am now, this is happening now.

Poland are accepting many many Ukrainians: but they are turning Syrians away.

So tell me, what has race NOT got to do with it??

[sparkus]

This wasn't my source but worth a read nonetheless. The comment about Pornhub is particularly disgusting.

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I look at Pornhub all the time, there's no such category and if there was there'd be a global outcry.  I also dispute that there's a German version of UKP (DP?) where "punters" are sharing intel on Ukrainian women to exploit.

[anyfucker]

What Nazi groups? That's Russian propaganda.

the Kool-aid is strong with this one 
Propaganda is everywhere; when Russian media and others not toe-ing the line are suppressed/down-ranked/de-platformed you have to ask who has the most propaganda (hint it's not Russia who are dismal at this)
Do you think it's true that the Ukraininan army has killed over 14,000 in the separatist regions? Did Ukraine cut-off the water supply to Crimea?
Here's a couple of links:
A very rich actor playing his best role:
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see this for why I say rich, not a bad haul for an actor/comedian
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film maker Oliver Stone
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an irish American, lots of clips
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maybe you'd like some guidance from Archbishop Viganò
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[JontyR]

I think there are wider cultural factors at play here which, rightly or wrongly, do tap into unconcious bias.

We had from 1945 till the start of the 90s possibly the greatest ever explosion and concurrent running of different media outlets until the advent of social media (which actually lead to the significant diminishing of many traditional sources). And during this time the words Russians/Soviets/Communists were interchangeable and all were used to personify the fears of totalitarianism. Even if the Prague Spring and the reaction to the Hungarian uprising in 1956 aren't known to people today they all added how the west viewed the USSR and was reflected in films, tv and became inbedded in the public conciousness.

Don't underestimate the impact that this has had on the psyche of Europe and the wider world. We moved very quickly in the late 80s from a world where we lived in the nuclear shadow, Greenham Common / duck and cover / Threads to a world where the wall came down and the yoke of Stalin was lifted from half the continent.

Now in the matter of a month the continental bogeyman is back. The reaction to the plight of Ukrainians is, in the minds of some, a reaction to the Russian threat and it is this that may show a difference to the reaction to the plight of refugees from other parts of the world.

[sir wanksalot]

Poland are accepting many many Ukrainians: but they are turning Syrians away.

So tell me, what has race NOT got to do with it??

Some border guards may have turned some Syrians away. I think we have to be careful making sweeping statements.

Even the UK have shown hesitation in opening our borders entirely to Ukrainian refugees due to inherent security risks in having a completely open border policy. Poland has already seen Putin and Lukashenko weaponise migrants on the Polish-Bialorus border and perhaps there is some residual suspicion in some Polish border checkpoints but many other non-Ukrainians have also entered Poland.

It's typical of some left wing media to largely ignore the generosity of the Polish people and instead focus on some minority instances of racism or xenophobia.

[Marmalade]

So mr anyfuck, how do you personally hope to see refugees helped????

A little humanity maybe called for… 

[Marmalade]

Some border guards may have turned some Syrians away. I think we have to be careful making sweeping statements.

Even the UK have shown hesitation in opening our borders entirely to Ukrainian refugees due to inherent security risks in having a completely open border policy. Poland has already seen Putin and Lukashenko weaponise migrants on the Polish-Bialorus border and perhaps there is some residual suspicion in some Polish border checkpoints but many other non-Ukrainians have also entered Poland.

It's typical of some left wing media to largely ignore the generosity of the Polish people and instead focus on some minority instances of racism or xenophobia.

I think most media have focussed on the truly enormous, completely laudable and quite heartwarming efforts the Polish people are making, and only mention the turning away as a footnote. Certainly that’s what I’ve seen and assumed, perhaps wrongly, that everyone knows that. There has been criticism from the EU, and a big contrast to how they are now opening their arms to Ukrainians.

I think we have to maybe accept that there are, in all of us, for want of a better word, prejudices, and that that is natural. The Economist has urged Britain to take in as many Ukrainian and Russian refugees that want out as possible.

The phrase “as possible” is important. If there is a finite limit, how do you select? Good intentions don’t work, it’s the good mechanics of achieving a result that work. It is a crying shame we can’t help everybody, but if I were welcoming someone to my home and knew very little about them, of the current batch of people seeking asylum or refugee status, I would prefer someone that is educated, has a decent grasp of Western standards and English, and who I feel will add, in my estimation, something to my own community and my country and perhaps also my life. They might be Hong Konger, Ukrainian or Russian, probably in that order. I am greatly interested in the African continent and its people, but I am less confident of a random refugee from that country fitting into my lifestyle and British lifestyle. Is that racist? If it’s my home, my life, I think I have the right to choose — but if a person fell down outside my house I’d rush to help them no matter what their nationality.

It’s a law of immediacy. We feel more caring to a baby placed on our doorstep than we do about a similarly destitute child the other side of the world. Right now, Ukrainians feel very close. But neither that nor the sheer number should be an individual factor.

Lily — you felt I was “overthinking it”. I don’t mean to sound unkind, but I feel you are maybe trying — or rather needing — to underthink it less.

[Offtoasda]

These threads are always so spicy 🔥

[hendrix]

And to answer the OP, no absolutely not.

[anyfucker]

So mr anyfuck, how do you personally hope to see refugees helped????

A little humanity maybe called for… 

since you asked so nicely, personally i have been helping Ukrainians for several years including those who have come here not just two weeks since the media told us to do it.
In the last two weeks I've helped organise the collection of "stuff" to be sent to Ukraine.
Probably the best way now for most people to help is to donate cash, e.g.
External Link/Members Only

A question for everybody to ask is when did their concern for humanity start, if it's the last two weeks then they've been played like a grand piano.
14k killed in Ukraine by their own army over the last 8 years.
300k killed in Yemen by weapons supplied by US/UK and ongoing

Madeline Albright said “the price is worth it” when asked about the death of hundreds of thousands of children in Iraq.

Here's an interview that has just been published, not about humanity but worth listening to
External Link/Members Only

[anyfucker]

I think most media have focussed on the truly enormous, completely laudable and quite heartwarming efforts the Polish people are making, and only mention the turning away as a footnote. Certainly that’s what I’ve seen and assumed, perhaps wrongly, that everyone knows that. There has been criticism from the EU, and a big contrast to how they are now opening their arms to Ukrainians.

I think we have to maybe accept that there are, in all of us, for want of a better word, prejudices, and that that is natural. The Economist has urged Britain to take in as many Ukrainian and Russian refugees that want out as possible.

The phrase “as possible” is important. If there is a finite limit, how do you select? Good intentions don’t work, it’s the good mechanics of achieving a result that work. It is a crying shame we can’t help everybody, but if I were welcoming someone to my home and knew very little about them, of the current batch of people seeking asylum or refugee status, I would prefer someone that is educated, has a decent grasp of Western standards and English, and who I feel will add, in my estimation, something to my own community and my country and perhaps also my life. They might be Hong Konger, Ukrainian or Russian, probably in that order. I am greatly interested in the African continent and its people, but I am less confident of a random refugee from that country fitting into my lifestyle and British lifestyle. Is that racist? If it’s my home, my life, I think I have the right to choose — but if a person fell down outside my house I’d rush to help them no matter what their nationality.

It’s a law of immediacy. We feel more caring to a baby placed on our doorstep than we do about a similarly destitute child the other side of the world. Right now, Ukrainians feel very close. But neither that nor the sheer number should be an individual factor.

Lily — you felt I was “overthinking it”. I don’t mean to sound unkind, but I feel you are maybe trying — or rather needing — to underthink it less.

We all have unconscious bias / innate bias and prejudice - neuroscience has been able to confirm that. For example, when we come across a stranger who is larger than us our brain automatically triggers feelings to alert us to look out for possible danger.
 
We have no control over this feeling and process but we can work towards being in charge of how we respond - and of course respond in a way so as not to discriminate is essential.

[Colston36]

The Azov battalion.

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That group flourished a few years ago, as far as I can make out in the area which has since been taken over by Russia.

[lillythesavage]

We all have unconscious bias / innate bias and prejudice - neuroscience has been able to confirm that. For example, when we come across a stranger who is larger than us our brain automatically triggers feelings to alert us to look out for possible danger.
 
We have no control over this feeling and process but we can work towards being in charge of how we respond - and of course respond in a way so as not to discriminate is essential.

I know from experience that is not true, or me and the boys would scare anyone and every one, especially on the rare occasions the three of us are together. The demeanor of a person, they way they are acting has far more to do with other peoples reaction to them.

If anything, when we are together it becomes a talking point and draws people to talk to us, and a raft of old jokes of course, unless they are behind us at a standing event, 

[Marmalade]

since you asked so nicely, personally i have been helping Ukrainians for several years

Ok. Just wanted to know if your heart beats.

[Colston36]

Poland are accepting many many Ukrainians: but they are turning Syrians away.

So tell me, what has race NOT got to do with it??

My experience from living with a Pole is that when it comes to people from the East or Africa they are pretty racist. And although it is not directly related to all this the Russians were traditionally even more anti-Semitic than the Nazis.

[mradventures]

there is white bias in the media coverage, and our (collective) response.

[chrishornx]

How did we get from housing a refugee to comments about racism and Russias anti-semitic tendencies

back on topic yes I would take in a couple of refugees - the big question is for how long? 3 weeks great, 3 months maybe, 3 years tough

[lillythesavage]

How did we get from housing a refugee to comments about racism and Russias anti-semitic tendencies

back on topic yes I would take in a couple of refugees - the big question is for how long? 3 weeks great, 3 months maybe, 3 years tough

No idea, but you know how debate goes  ,

If they are going to be allowed to seek work, then there are plenty of jobs around, 3 years is a long time and if they are staying that long most would want to stand on their own feet I would imagine, with help from the authorities, giving refuge should only be a short term fix.

[anyfucker]

Ok. Just wanted to know if your heart beats.

far too much for my own good
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[sir wanksalot]

How did we get from housing a refugee to comments about racism and Russias anti-semitic tendencies

back on topic yes I would take in a couple of refugees - the big question is for how long? 3 weeks great, 3 months maybe, 3 years tough

Perhaps some "foster care" type of system where they may be able to be moved from family to family (within a narrow area) if some people cannot commit long term. I think the problem is no-one knows how long this could last.

One thing is certain, these are genuine refugees and not migrants. They will want to return home ASAP

[anyfucker]

I know from experience that is not true, or me and the boys would scare anyone and every one, especially on the rare occasions the three of us are together. The demeanor of a person, they way they are acting has far more to do with other peoples reaction to them.

If anything, when we are together it becomes a talking point and draws people to talk to us, and a raft of old jokes of course, unless they are behind us at a standing event, 

maybe not in your case or all cases by any means but the thing with unconscious bias is that we're often unaware of them, for example one American study i read some time ago showed that blacks were more inclined to associate other blacks with voilence when shown a picture of a gun.
Here's a few to look at
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