Welcoming Our Ukrainian Neighbors
Hello Neighbor has a Ukraine hotline for those seeking assistance.
Please call 412-567-3946, extension 706.
You can also complete our online form.
On April 21, 2022, President Biden introduced Uniting for Ukraine, which provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members to come to the United States and stay temporarily in a two year period of parole. So far, the U.S. has welcomed over 100,000 Ukrainian citizens through the following pathways:
| Temporary Immigrant Visas | 47,000 |
| Private Sponsorship Program | 30,000 |
| U.S - Mexico Border (Asylum Seekers) | More than 22,000 |
| Traditional refugee system | 500 |
| Total | Approx. 100,000 |
Ukrainian Refugee Approval Process
The most unique part of the Ukrainian refugee process is private sponsorship through Uniting for Ukraine called Sponsor Circles. Ukrainians with a U.S.-based sponsor may receive temporary status in the U.S. for two years as a Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee (UHP). UHPs have protected status, so they can live and work in the U.S. Unless another law is passed, UHPs must apply for and win asylum to receive legal permanent residence.Hello Neighbor can only access Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (UHP) clients through referrals. That’s where YOU and the broader Pittsburgh community come in!
Do you know a Ukrainian refugee in Pittsburgh? Complete our referral form.
Make A Difference
- Spread the word - the only way Hello Neighbor is able to support Ukrainian refugees is through referrals. Make a referral.
- Become a Supporter through Uniting for Ukraine - If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring a Ukrainian individual or family, the Uniting for Ukraine website has all of the information you need to apply.
- Become a volunteer with Hello Neighbor - we have a variety of volunteer opportunities, both short and long term with varying levels of commitment.
- Donate - This is a way to directly support our new neighbors and make Pittsburgh a place we’re all proud to call home!
- Community Co-Sponsorship is where community groups provide material and social support to resettle a refugee family with support from Hello Neighbor Staff. We are currently seeking three pilot groups of 5-15 people for a 6-month commitment. Email lexie@helloneighbor.io to learn more!
Further Reading
- Ukrainian Refugees in the United States, Migration Policy Institute, June 2022
This article from MPI provides a full data breakdown of Ukrainian resettlement in the United States - The Global Ukrainian Refugee Situation, UNHCR, updated weekly
UNHCR provides a live, interactive map showing how refugees and migrants from Ukraine have moved across Europe. - Avoiding Uniting for Ukraine Scams, CNN, August 2022
This article brings awareness to a recently reported scam that is targeting sponsors who are trying to help Ukrainians come to the United States.
Summary
Hello Neighbor can provide supportive services to eligible Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians who were displaced from Ukraine and paroled into the U.S. between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023. Hello Neighbor may also serve a spouse or child of an individual paroled into the U.S. prior to September 30th, 2023, even if the spouse or child arrived after that date.
What We Do
In 2023, Hello Neighbor provided supportive services to 31 Ukrainians in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County through Uniting for Ukraine. Hello Neighbor continues to monitor the latest guidance on services for Ukrainians. Unfortunately, current guidance states that Ukrainians paroled into the U.S. after September 20, 2023 are not eligible for services funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
If you are a Ukrainian or non-Ukrainian individual displaced from Ukraine and paroled into the U.S. between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023, Hello Neighbor can assist you with:
- Employment services
- Benefit application and renewal
- School enrollment
- Service Coordination including referrals for
- Basic needs (housing, food, employment, reliable income, etc.)
- Health services (both physical and mental)
- Community services (navigation of social services and benefits, transportation, English language)
- Intensive Pregnancy Support