Refugee family of nine who escaped war-torn Ukraine for Britain are EVICTED by their hosts who live next door after just one month – as they start a Crowdfunder for rent
- Maxim, 36, and wife Olga Hyryk fled from Kyiv with children and elderly parents
- They were given bungalow in Fareham, Hants, next door to their host neighbours
- But they were given an eviction notice and now have to crowdfund for new home
- Have you been hit by eviction like this? E-mail: [email protected]
A Ukrainian family-of-nine who escaped their war-torn home to Britain are now facing eviction.
Maxim, 36, and wife Olga Hyryk fled from Kyiv with their children and elderly parents just last month.
They were given sanctuary in a two bedroom bungalow in Fareham, Hants, which was next door to their hosts.
Maxim and Olga moved in with their mothers Olena, 60, Hanna, 69, twins Maksym and David, 7, Amiran and Tamerlane, 2, and daughter Nikol, 1 on May 11.
But three weeks ago the family were told by Hampshire County Council that Maxim and his family had to move.
Then on June 15 they got a legal letter from their landlord’s solicitor telling them they would have to get out by July 15.
Their internet access was shut off immediately and now the family have been forced to turn to fundraising to find somewhere else to live.
Maxim told The Sun: ‘We came here with nothing, just the clothes we were wearing and as much stuff as we could cram into a rucksack.
Maxim and Olga moved in with their mothers Olena, 60, Hanna, 69, twins Maksym and David, 7, Amiran and Tamerlane, 2, and daughter Nikol, 1 on May 11
Maxim, 36, and wife Olga Hyryk fled from Kyiv with children and elderly parents last month
Hanna, 69, was among the family and now also has to find a new home after the eviction notice
‘We love this country and want to make it our home.
‘We fled as the Russian’s started bombing Kyiv, we got in the car and drove with everything we could fit inside it.
‘The children didn’t know what was happening but it was very scary, it took us nine days to get to Poland as we had to stop driving during the curfew.’
‘Everyone has been so incredibly friendly right from the start, we’ve been made to feel so welcome here.
‘England is full of good people and everybody we’ve met or who has helped us since we’ve been here has been very kind.
‘After the trauma of driving through a warzone with our children and elderly parents, we just want a bit of normality after everything that’s happened.’
On June 15 they got a legal letter from their landlord’s solicitor saying they would have to go
The large family traveled by car from Kyiv to Poland on March 11 and had stayed for two months
The family’s desperation has meant they now have to crowdfund to try and get rent together
The large family traveled by car from Kyiv to Poland on March 11.
They stayed there for two months before the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme secured them a place to live.
The Homes for Ukraine Scheme says hosts will provide residence for at least six months and should give guests two months’ notice.
Maxim added: ‘We don’t know why we have to go, no one has given us a reason.
‘Being told we have to leave was awful, we’ve got very young children, one of whom has autism and we also have elderly parents.
‘After all of the upheaval we’ve been through we just wanted a bit of normality and stability.
Olena, 60, with one of the children in happier times before the eviction was then activated
Four of the youngsters in the family beam despite their ordeal after the Russian invasion
‘At first, the landlord was very helpful and helped us get set up with some of the local services while other friends have helped with schools and the doctor.
‘Things were going really well and they were so helpful to Olga and I.We were looking at settling in the area properly and making it our home.’
A spokesman for Hampshire County Council said: ‘The national guidance relating to the Homes for Ukraine scheme outlines the desire for sponsors to be able to provide accommodation for six months or more, to give time for individuals and families to find their feet and integrate into life in the UK.
‘Most arrangements appear to be working well but occasionally hosts or guests may wish to end the sponsorship arrangement.
‘In those situations, they are asked to contact the local authority as quickly as possible so that support can be provided to either rematch or identify independent accommodation.
‘The County Council and Fareham Borough Council, the local housing authority, are aware of this case and are working together to ensure support is in place.’
The landlord declined to comment when approached by The Sun.
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