We took on our guests because we felt it right. Payback into society time. our turn to do something rather than just talk about it.
Strangers had taken in my MIL and her brothers in WW2 when they, as pre 10 Year olds, were evacuated from London. Were they in mortal danger? Who knows but it only takes one bomb.
We had the space - being empty nesters. We should have downsized but covid, illness to two parents (and one death) put moving on the back burner.
It's worked well for us. Some of the stories - some true, some exaggerated, some spread by others, some fictional - are not typical of what I've heard from council support meetings. Not at all.
It was a gamble for both sides. We were roughly matched and had chats on zoom, initially with an interpreter from the charity. If it really hadn't worked, for either side, there were get outs. After a couple of months we said stay as long as you need. The inconveniences are far outweighed by the advantages.
For many I can understand the reluctance of letting strangers live in your house. In more rational moments it does seem odd!
We have 4 split over 3 generations. Grandmother has gone back for essential dental treatment - no NHS dentists near us, far too expensive to go private. Back in a week. Grandfather came over at Christmas. (Men under 65 generally not let out, he is 70) He looks after their other grandchildren back home.
Those coming are from a wide selection of Ukrainian society. Rich, poor, all but European to those more Russian in their upbringing, fluent English speakers to those who struggle, those who want a fresh start to those yearning to go back, those who have been bombed out to those who are, understandably, scared of being bombed and were 'safe'
All have come here like rabbits blinded by headlights with just a few suitcases with a life, relations, houses, pets, and cars left behind.
Sadly they're seen to be a few Faragian comments - what about British people etc Others complaining about botox trips etc as if every refugee is going back for a lip plump.
I think they are all living under a degree of stress. All are in our house except the toddler - she left Ukraine when 4 months old for a year in Poland and then us.
Some will complain. It's been quite hard, frustrating and time consuming working with various government bodies, schools etc. The easiest was Cubs - 'come along tonight'. There are some who'd always like more - we see many English people like this.
How are they supposed to behave? It's a bit like when someone is off sick from work - are they allowed to go out of the house, smile, see others etc. We for our part are trying to help the children have as normal an upbringing as possible.
In my other, unrelated, unpaid work I mostly see those on Universal Credit. Some might, with help, return to work but the majority can't/won't.
I'm minded that there but for the Grace of God go many, if not all, of us. A couple of ill-informed decisions, illness, infirmity.
I think a few posters on here need a period quiet reflection and think how they might like to be treated should they fall on hard times or if their country is suddenly at war.