Ukrainian Refugees: Gov. DeWine Wants Ohio To Help Those In Need

OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine wants his state to be ready for a wave of Ukrainian refugees.

“Like many Ohioans, I am disgusted by the senseless aggression of the Russian military and want to support Ukrainian families being driven out of their country,” DeWine said in a statement. “While we do not yet know what role Ohio will play in helping these families, I want us to be prepared when the time does come.”

More than 2 million Ukrainians – almost all women and children – have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, 2022. The sudden exodus of Ukrainian refugees is at a scale not seen in Europe since World War II.

DeWine called for a summit of service organizations to ensure the Buckeye State's preparedness, if called upon to accept refugees. The summit will be held March 17 in Northeast Ohio. The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) will invite resettlement agencies, faith-based organizations, charities and other groups interested in supporting Ukrainians.

Refugee programs are run by the federal government, but the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services works with local resettlement agencies to provide information on capacity within the state. The department also oversees program aiding recent refugees in settling throughout Ohio.

While there's been an early outpouring of monetary support to resettlement agencies, Ukrainians have not yet arrived in Ohio. Those looking to donate may want to hold off until specific details on refugee needs are identified, according to ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder.

The Buckeye State is no stranger to new Ukrainian families. Since 2018, 500 Ukrainian nationals have been resettled in Ohio, mostly around the Cleveland area.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this article.