ORAM's Ukraine Humanitarian Response Program

https://www.oramrefugee.org/
ORAM protects and empowers LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees globally, creating sustainability and systemic change. 

ORAM supports LGBTIQ Ukrainians and third country nationals in various ways, including:  

Short-term housing 
ORAM began providing short-term housing for displaced LGBTIQ people fleeing Ukraine in late March 2022 after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During our last fiscal year, we provided 2226 nights of safe housing to 276 LGBTIQ Ukrainians and third country nationals across Europe.  

In 2023, Airbnb.org reaffirmed its commitment to supporting displaced LGBTIQ refugees globally. They awarded ORAM a significant grant that continues to allow us to provide 30 days (29 nights) of housing to displaced LGBTIQ Ukrainians and third country nationals across Europe, through which we’ve been able to provide over 3500 nights and counting.

Longer-term housing 
In late May 2022, ORAM launched our longer-term housing for displaced LGBTIQ people fleeing Ukraine. Longer-term housing provides displaced queer Ukrainians and third country nationals with an apartment in Berlin for six months. This program helps LGBTIQ refugees adapt to their new environments, register for essential resources and services, and establish stable livelihoods. In 2023, ORAM has provided 28 LGBTIQ Ukrainian refugees with safe and uninterrupted housing.  

Employment and Mentorship Connections  
In addition to longer-term housing, employment and job opportunities are other significant needs for the LGBTIQ Ukrainian refugee community across Europe. ORAM began partnering with TENT, a mentorship program for refugees, and NIYA, a networking and job opportunity organization for marginalized communities, to provide mentorship training and job opportunities to the LGBTIQ refugees we serve.  ORAM is a proud referral partner to TENT and NIYA, and we look forward to working with them in the year ahead.

Building Community and Networking
ORAM hosts regular community events to create safe spaces for our clients to interact, whereby we have hosted 6 events this year. These community events span from casual community get-togethers to hosting workshops with various topics in seeking employment.
In July 2022, ORAM hosted a Convening in Berlin, where LGBTIQ activists from 10 European countries came together to discuss strategies to support queer Ukrainians and third-country nationals

Inclusion trainings
ORAM’s inclusion specialist in humanitarian work is building the capacity of INGOs, NGOs and CSOs working with LGBTIQ refugees and displaced persons throughout Central & Eastern Europe. This is being achieved through trainings, peer learning sessions and mentorships.