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6 uw 3 Continued from page 5 Slike public transportation or health services in close proximi- < “Hor lowever, Stephanie Goertz said the Waterloo Region Cun roots Response to the Ukrainian visi: received more than 600 aolialians from families flee- their war-torn country seek- ing immediate housing assis- tance. strc Cronica I Thureday, November 24,2022 | ‘We can't keep up," Goertz said, referencing families that are at the moment and could ‘use support. Apart from a few other organi- zations with limited capacity and strangers on social media chan- nels, the local grassroots organi- zation, with about 85 hosts, is at the forefront of helping Ukraini- an refugees find housing here, she said Volunteers play a major role in helping newcomers gain ac- cess to services. According to a press release, the 13-bedroom Hillside Resi- dence would operate in a similar ‘WE HAVE THE TEAMS, WE HAVE THE POWER, Bill Jackson/Metroland The Hillside Residence at 44 St. Charles St. E in Maryhill. manner to the existing Woolwich Guest House for Ukrainian Refu gees in Transition in St. Jacobs. “We have the teams, we have the power, we have the passion,” Goertz said. Martin said the communal concept, with shared living and kitchen spaces, would be ideal for young families and help provide “acommunity within a communi- ty," with the goal of making new- comers feel more at home with those of the same nationality. rtin has already found work for refugees and is looking toco-ordinate transportation and help provide access to basic needs and services. In addition to partnerships with local organiza- tions and service providers, she believes her 23 years of experi- ence running a group home is in- valuable. "This isn't a money-making venture,” said Martin, "My hope is that I can cover costs." Unlike sponsored refugees WE HAVE THE PASSION’ from Syria and other parts of the world, Ukrainian refugees are coming to Canada on temporary, three-year work visas, she no’ The Canadian government gives them $3,000 for an adult and $1,500 fora child. tanwnile le some are well educated, language barriers, the high cost of rent and coming into low-pay- ing jobs with children means many will struggle at the onset, noted ver Hillside residence is in- tendon to help them get their feet on the ground, et settled and sain independen is more of a landi spot" Martin told the committee. "It's not some place they're going to come and stay for three years.” Township planning staff told the committee of adjustment that the group home will still require supervision moving forward and that any future change in use would require a new certificate of occupancy to ensure that it con- forms to zoning. pes to welcome new refugees by Christmas, however, there's a 20-day appeal period be- fore the committee's decision is firm and binding. She said those in opposition to the concept put forth arguments that don't hold a lot of water. "I'm already zoned to run a group home that's supervised by government licensing, and there are other types of group homes that I'm sure some of the people in Maryhill would not want in town," she s: Martin said she wants the Ukrainian jeople to be wel- comed. "Thave this home I mat vo close as I couldn't afford to ke ing, and if anybody wants to o help, we can use the help. The people com- ing here can use the help,” she aid. "I don't want to have to charge them a lot of rent, and many are coming here with what they could carry when they left their country. They don't have a lot of belongings." Those wishing to help out or contribute to the cause can email info@hillsideresidence.ca. waterloochronicle.ca LVisit Our 50,000 Square Foot Showroom - 3 Locations To Serve You Better Toronto, Cambridge & Paris «Thousands Of Products, Ready-To:Go - Quick Custom Order Times ae BEA combydgeqcornerslonetoMture.car PE 90 Main Street, Cambridge Ontario In Cambridge, Ontario D1 519.740.9991 © comersta furniture.ca