Elvira's Journey: Starting Over from Scratch
Elvira, a Ukrainian who fled Kharkiv, spent three and a half years living with her partner in a refugee camp in the Netherlands. During that time, the couple occupied a tiny room measuring just 3 by 3 meters. Securing permanent housing proved to be an uphill battle: over the course of a full year, they faced rejection after rejection from landlords.
After a long and exhausting search, Elvira and her partner finally managed to rent a house. They have now been living there for three months. Reflecting on the move, Elvira shared her mixed emotions:
“Leaving the refugee shelter for a rented place was terrifying… We had grown used to the rules and restrictions. We always knew it was temporary housing. But when everything finally fell into place, making the decision to move, taking full responsibility, and stepping into the unknown felt incredibly frightening. In the end, our desire for a normal life was stronger than the fear.” - Elvira
The Struggles Ukrainian Displaced People Face
Elvira also described the relocation as one of the best choices she has made since emigrating:
“To put it simply, moving was one of the best decisions I’ve made throughout this entire emigration experience.” - Elvira
Finding stable housing abroad remains one of the biggest hurdles for Ukrainian displaced people. For context, a Ukrainian refugee who relocated to Austria in 2026 with her husband and son recently shared details about the reception conditions there. Another Ukrainian refugee also spoke openly about her life in Spain.
This story highlights the real-life difficulties Ukrainian displaced people continue to face across Europe, particularly when it comes to housing. Despite numerous obstacles—including landlord rejections and the challenge of adapting to a new environment—the drive to find stability and a normal life remains a powerful motivator for many emigrants. The housing situation for refugees is still a critical issue that demands attention from both government institutions and the general public.
Elvira's experience is not unique; many Ukrainian refugees face significant challenges in finding stable housing abroad. For instance, a woman who spent several months in New York has expressed her disillusionment with the American dream, highlighting the stark realities of immigrant life. To learn more about her perspective and the struggles faced by those seeking a new beginning, read about her insights on the complexities of resettlement.