Mykola and her 15 -year -old son fled the war in Ukraine and Odessa’s bombings. They arrived in Belgium two years ago and currently live in a temporary shelter. “We are very grateful to the reception received,” says the father. “Also grateful to the host who receives us. To have been able to find accommodation. This is not yet the case for many Ukrainians who are homeless. »»
Since last March, the Walloon Region has closed all the reception centers for these Ukrainian refugees. They are forced to live without silver in the woods or, like Mykola and her son for a week, at Liège station on the ground. “We managed as we could,” says the father. “We found some solidarity with other Ukrainians. Even if some, without solution, had to return to the country. »»
The physical and psychological urgency continues to mark these refugees since the start of the war, Valéry, a Liégeois of Ukrainian origin, takes care of the reception of his compatriots. “When I saw them again, because I knew them in one of the centers where I worked before, and I did not recognize them,” he sighs. “The dad lost 20 kilos. And the son hardly speaks anymore. The street had quite harmful consequences. »»
Only comforts, a piece of bread and a cup of coffee shared with a heart restaurant. Twice a week, they come to get food packages there. The opportunity also to meet other destinies marked by the war. “I would like to return to Ukraine when the war is over,” says Svitlana, 85. “I hope it as quickly as possible. »»
Protect your son
Mykola would like to find a job to ensure the education of her son in Belgium. No question of returning to a country at war. “The situation in Odessa remains difficult,” he says. “Drone attacks and shells are daily. People continue to risk their lives there. As a father, I don’t want to risk that of my son. I feel better at the street here than in war there. »»
A total of 2,650 Ukrainians who are homeless must find a roof in Wallonia. A little dignity while waiting for peace to finally give them back a real home.
