As more Ukrainians are forced to flee their homes, more Germans are ready to open their homes
Within months of saying goodbye to the thousands of Afghan friends who had temporary homes in Germany before moving on to their more permanent homes, we humbly start to welcome Ukrainians. The German government has been proactive in welcoming refugees and setting up systems to assist in this process. Many of us have seen the touching videos of scenes at the train stations where people are lined up ready to host and help, and as more people are forced to flee their homes, more Germans are ready to open their homes.
Currently in western Germany, Ukrainian individuals and families are taking refuge in dozens of different villages. A few organizations, such as one called Operation Ukrainians to Ramstein, are working around the clock to help transport people from the borders of Poland and Moldova to the Ramstein and Kaiserslautern area. Once placed with a host family, the host family is responsible for registering the newly arrived refugees with the German government through their local city halls.
This registration process is the first step to connect them with access to local resources. Some of these resources include housing assistance (many apartment owners have already pledged setting aside apartments to house refugees), free medical care, assistance with finding jobs, and enrolling children in school. Other local efforts include makeshift store fronts where refugees can “shop” for necessities, translation services, free sim cards, provided hot meals and groceries, driving services, etc. Things are happening quickly as more Ukrainians arrive by the day, but with the help of countless volunteers giving whatever they can, the community is pulling together to do its best to make this part of the country a safe place to land.
For information about how you can help in Germany or in other parts of the world, see details in our Uniting for Ukraine blog.
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.