Seeking accommodation for Ukrainian guests - 1-2beds or houseshare

[ElizabethP]

Hello East Dulwich,

Some of you may have seen that at the start of December on Facebook I posted about the Ukrainian guests we are hosting (a woman called Oksana and her 12 year old son) to see if anyone had any ideas about rental properties. As a reminder, our guests have been staying with us for 7 months. They are fabulous people - smart, ambitious, fun and considerate. They are like family members. Oksana is a trained pastry chef with a full-time job in a very well known London restaurant. She has recently been promoted. Her son is happily settled at a local school. They are trying to build a new life in the UK.

Since my first post we have been following up leads and speaking to estate agents. It has become clear that despite being a professional pastry chef on a decent salary, Oksana will not be able to afford to rent a one or two bedroom flat in this area (Forest Hill, Nunhead, East Dulwich, Crofton Park etc) at current market prices. Estate agents we have visited have indicated that a salary of over £50k is required for a rental of £1600 per month. This is, I realise, the situation facing many people, including nurses, teachers and etc.

I am writing again today to see if anyone has any leads for landlords who might not be charging full whack for properties and might want to help Ukranians. Alternatively Oksana would be very open to sharing a house and I wondered if there are any elderly people in the area with space in their home who might welcome some company, the odd (excellent) meal and help with chores? Anyhow, any ideas people might have would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Polly

[bh28]

Hi Polly. A friend of mine told me you are now happily looking for furniture for your Ukrainian friends. I have a free double bed with a mattress both less than a year old, I would like to donate. It is in Tintagel Crescent and needs to be moved by the end of the week. Is that of interest? Thanks. Bel Howard