Grant to Catholic Charities Long Island for Ukrainian refugees

Catholic Charities on Long Island has received a $1,775,841 federal government grant to assist some of about 14,000 Ukrainians who have moved to New York since the Russian invasion, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday.

The grant will allow the Diocese of Rockville Centre to help resettle the refugees with employment assistance, skills training, English as a second language, and, if needed, housing and food support.

The grant to the Amityville-based Catholic Charities is among the largest given from $21.4 million set aside by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement for 17 refugee services agencies helping Ukrainians statewide.

"We are proud to continue to welcome those who have been forced to flee their homeland by the ongoing and unjust violent attack by Russia," Hochul said in a statement.

Since Russia launched the invasion in February, an estimated 75,000 Ukrainians have come to the U.S. through the federal government’s Uniting for Ukraine program.

The program allows displaced Ukrainians and their families to stay in the United States for up to two years. They must have a supporter in the United States who provides them with financial assistance during their stay.

The grants are intended to supplement efforts already underway to assist the refugees.

"As the home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States," Hochul said. "New York will remain unwavering in our support of the people of Ukraine."

Daniel W. Tietz, commissioner of the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said: "New York has long been a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution and displaced by war throughout the world. This funding will help ensure that those who have arrived from Ukraine will have the resources they need to find safety and stability."

Other agencies in the state receiving grants are in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica.

The agencies “have years of experience successfully helping refugees and immigrants to adapt to a new home and thrive as part of the community and we are grateful for their efforts," Tietz said.

Information on the number of Ukrainian war refugees on Long Island was not available.

Catholic Charities on Long Island did not respond to a request for comment.