Ukrainian families vent frustration at struggle to find own homes in UK

‘I can’t find accommodation because many places are too expensive.’ Oksana and her son at an event for Ukrainians in south London. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

Maria, 22, came to the UK from Ukraine in March last year shortly after the war broke out. She and her mother travelled using the Ukraine family scheme visa to stay with her aunt. But when her aunt was evicted, they became homeless. For five months, Maria and her mother have been living in temporary accommodation in south London.

“It’s horrible actually, the corridors are so old and so dirty,” Maria says. “The council haven’t been very helpful. The room is so small and it’s hard with two adults in one room.”