As the situation in Ukraine continues to develop, Catholic Community Services of Utah is working diligently to serve Ukrainians who are being sponsored by Utahns and are settling into life in our community.
The support that CCS has received from the community has been a reminder of our state’s willingness to band together to provide help and create hope for the most vulnerable in our midst.
Below you’ll find answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about the situation in Ukraine, the impact it will have in Utah, and how you can provide support to Ukrainians in Utah in this time.
How many people are coming? How soon are they arriving? What is their immigration situation?
In March, the Whitehouse announced that the United States will accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing war through a program called Uniting for Ukraine. Through the program, Ukrainians sponsored by Utahans will be granted humanitarian parole and can receive many of the same services and benefits provided to those with formal refugee status. However, the authorization excludes the Reception and Placement (R&P) Program and the ability to adjust to a permanent legal status. Ukrainians being sponsored by Utahns will need legal immigration services, which can be provided by CCS' immigration team.
How can I volunteer my time with the refugee resettlement program?
Currently, our greatest need is for Ukrainian interpreters. Many of our Ukrainian clients have sponsors so none have yet requested the support of volunteers, but should they ever need mentors or tutors, we would be happy to place you once you have completed the onboarding process.
To start the volunteer onboarding process, you must complete our Volunteer Orientation. This orientation provides information about the resettlement process, the many available opportunities, and other ways you can support our work at CCS. You can complete your orientation here.
Where can I go to hear more about volunteer opportunities as they come up?
Sign up here to receive alerts about one-time volunteer opportunities. These emails will include opportunities for both Migration and Refugee Services and our Basic Needs departments. Please create an account even if opportunities are full to receive notification as opportunities become available. These opportunities will include apartment set-ups for refugee clients and more.
I’d like to donate money. How do I do that? How will my donation help refugees?
We would deeply appreciate any monetary donations you can provide. The link for donations can be found here. Please indicate in the comment section that you want the funds to go towards “Migration and Refugee Services” or “MRS”.
As mentioned above, many Ukrainians resettling in Utah will require immigration legal assistance. Your monetary donations will be critical to supporting their livelihoods and legal fees to obtain immigration status.
I live outside the greater Salt Lake area. What can I do to help?
Our greatest need is financial support (see instructions above). We would also greatly appreciate in-kind donations from our Amazon Wishlist.
Can I donate other items?
Check out our Amazon Wishlist! This is the best way to donate items in high demand to support our resettlement efforts. If you have personal items you’d like to donate, please email William Maloy at . A list of donation items accepted by CCS can be found here. Please note that we do not accept clothing donations for refugee clients. Donations can be dropped off from 1:00-4:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 440 South 400 West Suite D & E Salt Lake City, UT. Donations cannot be picked up from donor homes at this time.
Where Can I access the Amazon Wishlist?
Catholic Community Services' Amazon Wishlist can be found here. To make a donation for incoming refugees, please select the "Refugee Resettlement" list. All items on that list are in high demand as they are provided to clients upon arrival.
Where can I learn more?
Sign up for our agency’s newsletter in the footer of our website. You’ll receive monthly updates about events related to our organization. Attending the CCS Volunteer Orientation is a great way to gain a better understanding of refugee resettlement in Utah. Again, the orientation registration link is here.