WR Grassroots Response expands support for displaced Ukrainians with new guest house in Centre Wellington

Displaced Ukrainians finding refuge in Ontario have a new haven thanks to Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis, a Waterloo Region-based not-for-profit. With the demand for their services growing, the organization has just opened its first guest house within the Township of Centre Wellington, bringing hope and stability to those starting over.

"We got a gracious landlord offering some space and the house was empty," said Tracey Marques, a volunteer with the organization "I put a post out there [on social media] and our amazing community came together, and this is what they created."

Nestled just five minutes outside of Elora, the six-bedroom property, equipped with a large kitchen and multiple living spaces, now serves as a temporary home for newcomers.

"We were able to pull this house together and welcome our first family who arrived from Ukraine. They had been waiting for two years to come here, and there were no hosts that were available that would accommodate a dog. And this was the first home that was going to offer that," explained Marques.

Beds ready for incoming Ukrainian refugees in the Township of Centre Wellington, Dec. 22, 2024. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV News)

Founded in 2022, Grassroots Response has been a lifeline for displaced Ukrainians arriving in Ontario by providing transitional housing , settlement support and employment assistance for those starting fresh in Canada.

"It takes a village," said Sergei, another volunteer. "...We kind of tried to create a bubble around every guest house so that there are a lot of local volunteers. 700 volunteers basically helping all of these guest houses."

Grassroots Response provides everything from pantry essentials and household furniture to transportation for doctor’s appointments and job interviews.

"We were so fortunate that our volunteers were able to even find work for all of the people that arrived here within one week. And they're all employed at this time," said Marques.

The new guest house came to life with the help of a local property owner, volunteers and community donations.

Beds ready for incoming Ukrainian refugees in the Township of Centre Wellington, Dec. 22, 2024. (Hannah Schmidt/CTV News)

"As long as it works, as long as the war is going on, there's an uncertainty that it could end tomorrow. It would be great if it would end tomorrow, but I don't think that's going to happen as much as we'd like it to," said property owner, Keith McIntosh.

The organization is now calling on local volunteers, charities, and property owners to help them continue this vital work.

"We need hosts. We need people who are willing to partner with these families as they come and welcome them to their homes and help them get established," said Marques.

Whether it’s donating time, resources, or space, Grassroots Response says there’s a role for everyone in building a brighter future for newcomers.

"It's overwhelming to think of doing something on your own, but with others around you, we can make a difference," said volunteer, Ruth Anne Bauman.

If you’d like to volunteer or partner with Grassroots Response, visit their website.