HELP ACROSS TEXAS / ДОПОМОГА В ТЕХАСІ 

These major cities in Texas have large Ukrainian Communities who can assist you:

У цих великих містах Техасу є великі українські громади, які можуть вам допомогти:

LEGAL SUPPORT/ ЮРИДИЧНА ПІДТРИМКА

Free or discounted services / Безкоштовні або пільгові послуги 

• Ryan Wilck

Reddy & Neumann, P.C

11000 Richmond Ave, Suite 600

Houston, TX 77042

713-457-5707

ryan@rnlawgroup.com

• Braxton Smith

KIRKLAND & ELLIS LLP

609 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

Landline:      +1-713-836-3765 
Mobile/Cell: +1-281-682-2290

braxton.smith@kirkland.com

• Kisshia Simmons, Senior Associate

Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry

1200 Smith St., 14th Floor Houston, TX 77002

Direct: 713.658.2590

E-Mail: kisshia.simmons@chamberlainlaw.com

Houston Immigration Legal Service Collaborative 

• Amber Gracia, +1-832-853-0896, ambergracialaw@gmail.com

• Chris Dachniwsky: +1-817-313-9908, chris.dachniwsky@gmail.com

• Kathryn Shafer: +1-713-909-3996, kshafer.esq@gmail.com 

• Cynthia Guerra, +1-281-579-3977 c.guerralaw@gmail.com 

• Vitaliy Maluk: +1-636-388-8414 (Consult for free legal options)

• Адвокат Марина Шепельська (Імміграційний адвокат у Нью-Йорку, Нью-Джерсі, сімейне право та розлучення)
  Shepelsky Law Group (718) 769-6352, (718) 679-3131, shepelskylaw.com,
  Viber  (718) 679-3131
  From outside of US (Whats App) (718) 679-3131

general Information for Displaced ukrainians

• CFFR compiled resources

• United for Ukraine (in EN and UA)

• https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcfzyfYg-Rx/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet 

• Online session with the lawyer hosted by Razom for Ukraine on Wednesday April 13th

• A recording of a Live Zoom webinar from Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.

This webinar was held on March 16, 2022 for social and legal service providers, advocates, and members of the Ukrainian American community to learn about several immigration options for Ukrainian nationals currently in the U.S. or seeking to travel to the US.

Information for Parents whose children are planning to cross US-Mexico border without a legal guardian

Інформація для батьків, чиї діти планують перетнути кордон США та Мексики без законного опікуна

hUMANITARIAN PAROLE

Arrived after April 11, 2022

• Uniting For Ukraine  

I-134, Declaration of Financial Support

• President Biden's update on April 21, 2022

"The Biden administration announced plans Thursday to expedite the arrival of Ukrainian refugees, creating a new system that will allow ordinary citizens and organizations such as churches to sponsor them and warning that Ukrainians attempting to cross via Mexico will be denied entry starting next week...Uniting for Ukraine that will grant most refugees “humanitarian parole” to come to the United States for up to two years, as long as they have a sponsor willing to support them in the country. Officials also plan to expand permanent legal pathways under the existing refugee program. "

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Main condition: Continuous residence in the USA before or on April 11, 2022

Application forms:

1. Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (April 19, 2022- Oct. 19, 2023)

2. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

If you are interested in the Uniting for Ukraine program, either as a sponsor or someone requesting sponsorship (from Ukraine) please read the details about the program here:

• ENGLISH: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine

• UKRAINIAN: https://usa.mfa.gov.ua/news/programa-yednajmosya-dlya-ukrayini?fbclid=IwAR25WJ-rwkOcNEHgk8LynguwkvuRvTgAqA9AHa0yMLCWxpzSq4xBWQ9B3Mc

Key program information:

• Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily in a two-year period of parole. Ukrainians participating in Uniting for Ukraine must have a supporter in the United States who agrees to provide them with financial support for the duration of their stay in the United States.

• The first step in the Uniting for Ukraine process is for the U.S.-based supporter to file a Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, with USCIS. The supporter will then be vetted by the U.S. government to ensure that they are able to financially support the individual whom they agree to support.

• US SPONSORS/SUPPORTERS: Information to fill out the form:
  Official Uniting for Ukraine form link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-134?fbclid=IwAR1OqrTGAaoz4qKE7lNhrecizzxK_v-FemX6K0RnamzPRrAXuGLzPoCZajU
  Click on FILE ONLINE. You must create an account to begin the application process.

• Explanation and instructions of the I-134 Form: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-134instr.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1ZJIJgT5YAWkKoEUZ-1jHGS2KCgzCLeDpJ23YDOozUcrt6WC9yIHWnXtk 

• For individuals from Ukraine. You must MATCH with a host BEFORE the US HOST fills out the application for you.

• Please take safety precautions and verify the identity of each person you correspond with.  This includes video calls, not sharing private information until all parties are secure in their communication and can assure one another of good intentions.  This group does not support sending funds or money requests.  Personal decisions can be made, if thoroughly investigated. 

• Article: 04/18/2022: DHS Announces Registration Process for Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine and Sudan

• Temporary Protected Status applications and legal assistance for filling an application and the process in general. This link will allow people to sign up for updates on when TPS applications will start being accepted and allow people to sign up for free legal help with the process: http://L4GG.org/TPS-Ukraine. Individuals who fill out the form to which the link leads will be notified by email and/or text message as soon as it's time for them to complete the screening process. Please feel free to share this form (http://L4GG.org/TPS-Ukraine) with potential TPS applicants, as well as others who may have ties to the Ukrainian community in the US.  

What TPS Provides

• TPS allows an individual a temporary block from deportation for the duration of the time their home country has the TPS designation. For the same time period, individuals who apply for TPS are also given an option to seek employment authorization as long as they continue to meet the requirements of TPS. The employment authorization is optional, and an individual can apply for it with the original application or at a later date as long as they still have TPS or have a TPS application pending. The ability to travel abroad is also a TPS benefit, but requires a separate application.   It is important to note that TPS is not a path to citizenship. TPS duration may be extended from the initial 6 -18-month time frame. Currently, there are no limits on the number of extensions that can be executed. Once an extension is made, each person that holds TPS is also eligible to have their status extended to the new date. 

Apply to be a sponsor for a displaced ukrainian:

• Uniting For Ukraine  

I-134, Declaration of Financial Support

• Refugee services of Texas 

• Sponsors will need:

  • 1. Taxes proof ready to upload

  • 2. Evidence of current work (letter from an employer)

  • 3. Bank account info (letter from a bank officer)

  • 4. Proof of other assets if needed for support

Responsibilities as a sponsor:

When you sign an affidavit of support, you assume legal responsibility for the financial support of sponsored immigrants, usually until they become U.S. citizens or work 40 quarters (10 years without a break). Your sponsorship obligations also terminate if you or the sponsored person dies or if the sponsored person ceases to be a legal permanent resident and leaves the United States. Note: Divorce does NOT terminate sponsorship obligations.
If the immigrant you are sponsoring receives any social benefits, you are responsible for reimbursing the cost of these benefits to the agency that provided them. If you do not repay the debt, the agency or immigrant can sue you to get the money due. Any co-sponsors and family members who have allowed the sponsor to combine their income with the sponsor's income to meet the minimum income requirements are also legally responsible for the financial support of the sponsored immigrant. In fact, any joint sponsor and family member is jointly and severally liable with the applicant sponsor, which means that the joint sponsor and family member are independently liable for the full indemnification obligation and may be sued or paid. . money owed, even if the petitioning sponsor has not been sued or demanded.

https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/affidavit-of-support

Lautenberg Amendment

Practicing Jewish (including Tats and Karaims) 

Practicing Evangelical Christianity (Baptist, Pentecostalist, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah Witness)

Practicing Ukrainian Greek Catholicism (must be participating by 1989 and has been public, active, and continuous) 

Members of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Church (must be participating by 1989 and has been public, active, and continuous) 

• Lautenberg Amendment application form

How to APPLY FOR ASYLUM:

Generally speaking, the following 7 steps are how to apply for asylum in the United States:

* Arrive in the U.S. at any border or port of entry

* Apply for asylum (application packets include documents like the I-589 form, ID copies, personal statement, etc.)

* Undergo fingerprinting and background/security checks

* Receive a notice for the scheduled asylum interview 

* Interview with an immigration officer and present your case

* Wait for the asylum officer to determine eligibility

* Return to the asylum office after a couple of weeks to pick up the decision/ruling or wait for the decision by mail.

TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM/СИСТЕМА ДЕРЖАВНИХ ШКІЛ ТЕХАСУ 

Here is a link to a document that will explain the Texas Public School System.

Ось посилання на документ, який пояснює систему державних шкіл Техасу.

• Former school counselor: Elena (English & Russian speaking): emerenov@sbcglobal.net; 571-201-5831 (text only)

VACCINATION EXEMPTION FORM LINK

Ukrainian School system overview

Sample Translated Marriage Certificate / Sample Translated Birth Certificate

Зразок перекладеного свідоцтва про шлюб / Зразок перекладеного свідоцтва про народження

College or University / Коледж ЧИ унІверситет

• https://m.facebook.com/488750954473200 

HOUSTON-BASED REFUGEE CHARITIES/БЛАГОДІЙНІ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ БІЖЕНЦІВ У Г'ЮСТОНІ 

Charity Groups in Houston that can assist refugees:Благодійні групи в Г'юстоні, які можуть допомогти біженцям:

• Catholic Charities: 713-526-4611. Help line: 2-1-1

Catholic Charities Legal team: 5599 San Felipe St Suite 300, Houston, TX 77056 (713) 595-4100 

• United Way: https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/work/no-nav/unitedforukraine/.  

• https://theyellowblue.org/

F1/F2 visa application and processing fees, Round trip airfares for these women and their children, Medical insurance, Tuition, Fees, books and other education expenses, English classes for adults, Accommodation and Daily Living expenses while in Texas, Transportation while in Texas

• Brooke@volunteerhouston.org or BCampbell@imgh.org 

Brooke (Parkinson) Campbell, CNP

Director of Volunteer Houston

3303 Main St. | Houston, TX 77002

O: 713-533-3112 | C: 832-898-6631 | F: 713-520-4663

• St. Vincent De Paul Society: 713-741-8234

• Welcome.US

• The Montrose Center (Empowering LGBTQ Houston): 713-529-0037 

HOUSING / Житло 

There are volunteers in Houston who are willing to take in individuals, families, (including pets). Please contact: Ridnashkolahouston@gmail.com for more info. / У Х’юстоні є волонтери, які готові прийняти окремих людей, сім’ї (включаючи домашніх тварин). Для отримання додаткової інформації звертайтеся за адресою: Ridnashkolahouston@gmail.com.

NOVA UKRAINE Air B&B application

Nova Ukraine is working with Airbnb.org to provide short-term emergency housing for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. Eligible applicants will receive an Airbnb voucher to be used for free, short-term accommodation

https://www.ukrainetakeshelter.com/

Transportation/ Транспортування

There are volunteers in Houston who are willing to go to the Mexico-Texas border to pick up individuals and families and take them to Houston. We can also provide assistance for those who are wanting to go from Houston to or from San Antonio, Houston to or from Austin, or Houston to or from Dallas. Please contact Ridnashkolahouston@gmail.com for more info. 

У Х’юстоні є волонтери, які готові поїхати на кордон Мексики та Техасу, щоб забрати окремих людей та сім’ї та відвезти їх до Х’юстона. Ми також можемо надати допомогу тим, хто хоче поїхати з Х'юстона до або з Сан-Антоніо, Х'юстона до або з Остіна, або Х'юстона до або з Далласа. Будь ласка, зв’яжіться з Ridnashkolahouston@gmail.com для отримання додаткової інформації.

ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE/ORPHANAGE INFORMATION

Інформація про усиновлення/патронатну опіку/сиріт

• Ukraine-Ministry of Social Policy Statement on Intercounty Adoption

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/Intercountry-Adoption-News/ukraine---ministry-of-social-policy-statement-on-intercountry-ad.html

• Informational power point presentation (A work in progress)

Directory: Free or reduced Medical & Dental 

КАТАЛОГ: Безкоштовна (або зІ знижкою) медична та стоматологічна допомога

• (A work in progress)

• Free medical care: Eligibility | San José Clinic (sanjoseclinic.org) 

San José Clinic (Midtown) - 2615 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002 - Tel: (713) 228-9411 - Fax: (713) 228-6371. San José Clinic (Fort Bend) - 1615 Avenue E, Rosenberg, TX 77471 - Tel: (832) 945-6711 We are a 501(c)(3), a United Way partner, and a ministry of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and Texas Medical Center Institution.  www.sanjoseclinic.org

• Endocrinologist from The Woodlands, Media clip: Kateryna Komarovskiy  Please email me at katyastr1@gmail.com 

• Psychologist from Sugar-Land: Dr. Chuck Gray, specializing in marriage and family counseling

• Dentist: Maxim Skormin. Please email: zoob4@me.com

• Free & Low cost vaccinations for ages:  5+: hcphtx.org; 832-927-8787

JOB RELATED RESOURCES/ РЕСУРСИ, ПОВ'ЯЗАНІ З РОБОТОЮ

Places that are hiring / Місця, які наймають 

• On Facebook: 'Ukrainians looking for Work' (Українці шукають роботу)

• S.E.A.L. Security Solutions & Training Academy Ready to train & hire members of Ukrainian community (refugees or not), please reach out to them directly and mention HTX4UKRAINE

• Culinary Institute Lenotre in Houston. Willing to offer multiples opportunities for Ukrainian refugees (adults and teenagers). Attend a one year free diploma Baking Pastry program classes with room and board (accommodation) provided on our campus. Refugees must be legally able to study/work. For more information send an email to the Culinary Institute

• Texas Education Agency---Texas Teachers of Tomorrow

MENTAL HEALTH /ПСИХІЧНЕ ЗДОРОВ'Я

Will offer free or reduced counseling services / Заропонує безкоштовні або пільгові консультаційні послуги 

• Former school counselor: Elena (English & Russian speaking): emerenov@sbcglobal.net; 571-201-5831 (text only)

• LG Counseling 1826 Snake River Rd, Ste D, Katy, TX;  scheduling@lgcounseling.com; 281-394-1379

• Counseling via Zoom from Ukraine: https://www.facebook.com/ZbanokMarianna 

Quick reference guide of Mental Health Programs, Services and Hotlines /Короткий довідник програм, послуг та гарячих ліній психічного здоров’я / Краткое справочное руководство по программам, службам и горячим линиям в области психического здоровья

SUPPORTING PARENTS, SUPPORTING CHILDREN/ ПІДТРИМКА БАТЬКІВ, ПІДТРИМКА ДІТЕЙ

Parenting Help on Emotional Support for Children:
Допомога батькам, для  надання емоційної підтримки дітям:

NCTS: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

1. How to talk to your child about the War in Ukraine: English, Ukrainian, & Russian

2. Tips for helping pre-school aged children after disasters: English, Ukrainian, & Russian

3. Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents: English, Ukrainian, & Russian

4. Coping in Hard Times: Fact Sheet for Youth High School and College Age: English, Ukrainian, & Russian

5. Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers: English, Ukrainian, & Russian

6. Tips for Adults: English, Ukrainian, & Russian

7. Understanding Refugee Trauma: For Primary Care Providers: English, Ukrainian, & Russian

8. Coping in hard times for community leaders & for school staff

Unicef: for every child

English Language Classes

• Ridna Shkola will be offering FREE adult English classes to recent immigrants from Ukraine. The classes will be geared towards beginner and intermediate learners. We will host a meet-and-greet this weekend at noon during the Ukrainian Bake Sale that will be happening at Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Church. Once summer registration opens at Lone Star Community College, adult learners will be referred to their FREE English learning classes. Lone Star Courses for FREE & Paid College credit (English-ESOL, English for Professionals, Citizenship, GED): https://www.lonestar.edu/adult-education.htm 

• Bilingual Education Institute: https://bei.edu/

• Online English Classes

RESOURCES ABOUT UKRAINE