Deer Park hotel, closed since 2014, now serves as temporary housing for dozens of Ukrainian refugees, including 58 aged-out minors. These vulnerable individuals transitioned from care by Tusla to accommodations managed by International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) upon turning 18. The community has rallied to support the refugees through initiatives like a connections expo, designed to inform them about local services. Local manager Eoin Quinlan highlighted the need for better support as many refugees initially struggled with the sudden transition to independence, demonstrating the essential role of community engagement in aiding these individuals.
When some of them arrived here, they were just retreating to their rooms. After the big shock of everything in Ukraine, suddenly they were dealing with another big shock.
The day before these kids turn 18, they are given a birthday cake, and then they are brought by taxi up here.
I felt we weren't meeting their needs and we needed to do something to change that.
Tetrarch hosted a connections expo where more than 25 stakeholders provided information about the facilities and services available locally.
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