Volunteers run in all directions but everyone knows exactly what to do: examination of administrative situations, distribution of food, colored pencils for children, or even translation. But the top priority is to find accommodation for Ukrainian refugees and requests are piling up.
Christophe and Pascale live in the Paris region, they came to offer accommodation. The couple just met their future roommates, Yéliana and Yéléna. “We have been absolutely trying to help a family or young Ukrainians for about three weeks. enough quickly with the administrations or associations, we came directly to Porte de Versailles”says Christophe.
“When we arrived a person told us ‘don’t move. I met two young girls just now who are looking for accommodation’. And that’s it, it happened like that”, explains Pascal. She do not yet know how the cohabitation will happen. “Depending on their needs, they will adapt: either they will prefer to go elsewhere, or they will feel good at our place. No problemexplains Pascale with a smile. We will try to live together in joy and good humor.”
“For the moment it’s a bit complicated in terms of the language. I don’t speak English very well but with the gestures we’ll manage!”
Yéléna, 33, is from kyiv. She stayed several days in her bunker before deciding to leave the country. Yeliana, 38, is from Kharkiv. The two women met on their way to exile in Slovakia. They are exhausted but with this housing proposal, they find a little hope. “We are surprised, so moved by this generosity. What we want is to find a normal life, in safety, to be able in turn to help others, to give back what we give here in France”.
Christophe and Pascale have already promised to help them find a job. But for now, the Ukrainians have to complete some administrative formalities. This huge center makes it possible to centralize the procedures. Saving time and energy for refugees. Yéléna and Yéliana can’t wait to fall asleep in their future home.
The reception of Ukrainian refugees in France: report by Claire Leys
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