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In Lambesart, near Lille, houses have been made available to Ukrainians. A device that offers more autonomy to refugees and relieves the French families who housed them. #TheyHaveTheSolution
Olga and her mother discover their new home that day. A pretty house of nearly 70 m² with three bedrooms. “The shower is really big. There is a terrace, a living room”, rejoices Olga. Even if the two women will have to share this accommodation with two other mother-daughter duos, the enthusiasm is there. It’s a return to an almost normal life.
Hosted for months with a friend, they needed to find a “home” even if they are very grateful for the spontaneous welcome of French families. “The French help us so much in everything. The Ukrainian refugees are all aware of this”, reports the young woman.
It is the association Ukraine en Nord which is at the origin of these independent furnished accommodation thanks to donations from individuals. Like Olga, about fifteen refugees recently benefited from this scheme with three houses offered as shared accommodation. A new start for these Ukrainians and a break for the host families. “There are families who have taken in a lot. They may want to regain their independence. And for Ukrainian families, it is true that they are already uprooted. Being able to find themselves together, in shared accommodation, is really owl”, explains Delphine Delesalle, President of Ukraine in the North.
A reception solution that is a victim of its own success. The number of requests for this type of accommodation is exploding. The association is struggling to answer it. “What we lack are roofs. While there are empty houses in the Lille metropolis”, regrets Delphine Delesalle. The association appeals to the generosity of owners and developers who have vacant homes.