Survey shows Tipperary families hosting Ukrainian families have a positive experience

Refugees from Ukraine walk away from the conflict caused by the Russian invasion

placeholder image — Refugees from Ukraine walk away from the conflict caused by the Russian invasion

There are currently 978 Ukrainian guests living in 450 host homes in Tipperary, a new report has revealed.

This represents 30% of the total number of Ukrainians who have arrived in the county since the invasion of Ukraine.

Nationally, 25% of all arrivals from Ukraine are currently living in host homes or pledged accommodation.

A survey released last week by Helping Irish Hosts showed that 92% of people hosting Ukrainians have had a positive experience and 76% would recommend hosting to someone else.

The research was presented by Helping Irish Hosts and the Irish Red Cross to Oireachtas members at a briefing in Leinster House last Wednesday.

Angie Gough, CEO and Co-Founder of Helping Irish Hosts, said: "The research reaffirms everything we’ve seen over the past 22 months. Hosting is having an incredible impact - for the hosts, their guests and also their communities.

"While it’s not the right option for everyone and it’s not a long-term solution, it does offer a key integration opportunity for people seeking refuge in this country.

"Our priority is to nurture the host response as a significant part of the refugee accommodation solution, while acknowledging its limitations and advocating for the changes needed to sustain it.”

The consortium of organisations responsible for activating pledged accommodation is still receiving around 300 accommodation pledges a month.