I arrived in London with my family on the 3rd of June 2022, fleeing the war in Ukraine. We were fortunate enough to find a sponsor who provided us with accommodation for 5 months. Unfortunately, our sponsor informed us that he could no longer provide us with housing, leaving us homeless on the 31st of October 2022. We contacted the council for help and were placed in a hotel where we stayed for 3 months. It was a difficult time for us, especially for my 10-year-old daughter who didn't have a space to play or feel at home.
Living in temporary accommodation was stressful, and I often felt unsafe and uncomfortable. However, the support of the council and the kindness of people who helped us during our difficult times have been heartwarming. My dream is to publish a book about my experiences as a Ukrainian woman in the East and West, exploring the meaning of happiness and the complexities of our emotions.
Finding a place to rent is challenging because many landlords preferred tenants who are not on benefits. Moving into a new home will be such a relief, and I hope my daughter can have a normal life and access to a decent education.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to start a new life in London, and I hope to build a brighter future for my family. Having a stable home is a crucial step towards achieving this goal, and I am looking forward to a new beginnning.