East Devon: 50 new Ukrainian hosts are needed

At least 50 East Devon households are needed to host Ukrainian refugees, as the war enters its second year. 

More than 300 refugees are currently hosted in East Devon, but more host families are needed urgently. 

Today is the one year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Women, children, elderly people and families continue to flee their homes in Ukraine and need hosts in the UK, including in East Devon. 

Homes are needed across the region, including in Ottery St. Mary, Honiton and Exmouth. Pet-friendly homes are particularly needed as many families took their pets with them when they left. 

All host families receive £500 a month as a thank you from the UK government.

Anyone with an annex, spare room or Airbnb are invited to apply. After receiving the application, East Devon District Council will carry out an inspection to make sure the hosts and the guests are well matched. 

Further support is provided by the council to help the guests apply for jobs, access schools and medical facilities and assisting them integrate into the communities. 

Councillor Paul Arnott, leader of the council, said: "We hope that all our Ukrainian guests are settling into East Devon well, and are proud that so many of East Devon's householders are welcoming them with open arms.

"It has been a tremendous honour to be part of EDDC's response to this awful human tragedy. We are visiting each household and hearing not just the terrible stories of how people arrived here from Ukraine, but also stories of kindness and generosity that they have experienced."

If you would like to learn more about being a host, you can your interest in a questions and answer session by emailing [email protected].

To register your interest in an online information session for potential hosts on 29 March 6pm-7:30pm contact [email protected]. To find out more information about helping Ukrainian guests or to express your interest in being a host please visit.