Nova Ukraine has collaborated with a church in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California, to provide shelter for Ukrainian families in one of their units on the church grounds. Initially, the shelter provided short-term accommodation for newcomer Ukrainians who crossed the border with Mexico. Twenty Ukrainian refugees were helped in the first wave of arrivals. In August 2022, Nova Ukraine and the church collaborated with I Care Ministries to extend the shelter indefinitely. Since then, the shelter has hosted more than 90 Ukrainian refugees: 28 families, 13 single refugees, 3 dogs and 6 cats!
The sanctuary created a fantastic community of local volunteers. This established network of helpers works hard at giving the refugees all the needed information on how to obtain their documents, register for schools, find local jobs, raise initial funds, and access transportation, food banks, medical facilities, clothing, and furniture. Most refugees who were given sanctuary at the Costa Mesa shelter could rent their own places within a few months. They became successfully employed, significantly improved their language skills, and made many friends. All the children go to local schools and colleges. The shelter in Costa Mesa is a great example of how individual efforts can make a change and generate an extensive network of support and solidarity.
