A Ukrainian mother and her teenage son have finally found a place to call home after escaping the war in their country and living in a tiny hostel room for months. Kateryna Gorodnycha and her son, Timur, spent three months in a hostel in Barry, anxiously awaiting news on when a new temporary accommodation site in Llantwit Major would open. Recently, the Vale of Glamorgan Council confirmed the completion of the development, which consists of 90 units for Ukrainian families and families from the council housing waiting list.
The temporary site, named Heol Croeso, comprises portable cabins and offers a fresh start for Kateryna and Timur. Kateryna expressed her relief at having a place to begin rebuilding their lives, contrasting the new home with the cramped hostel room. She described the new accommodation as a space where she could envision a future and create a personal sanctuary with their belongings.
Kateryna and Timur undertook an 1,800-mile journey across Europe, along with their two cats and possessions, to reach the UK in 2022 amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Initially a TV producer and journalist in Kyiv, Kateryna had to abandon her plans and adapt to the uncertainties of being a refugee. She extended her gratitude to the sponsors and individuals who supported them upon their arrival in Wales.
Prior to moving into Heol Croeso, Kateryna faced challenges finding accommodation due to her son’s schooling and their pets. The new housing site aims to alleviate the council’s reliance on temporary accommodations like hotels and hostels, offering a more dignified solution for families in need. Despite some initial planning concerns, residents moving into the site have expressed satisfaction with the self-contained units.
Heol Croeso is expected to accommodate around 40 Ukrainian households within two weeks, providing them with the stability and privacy they lacked in previous settings. While the council faced criticisms over the planning process, it assures nearby residents that the portable homes are easily movable and discussions are ongoing for potential future uses of the site.
This successful transition to Heol Croeso marks a new chapter for Kateryna, Timur, and other families seeking refuge and stability in difficult times. As they settle into their new surroundings, they look towards the future with hope and resilience, ready to build a sense of home and security once again.