Jakub and Gosia Golata emigrated to the UK from Poland in 2004. However, the conflict in Ukraine has caused them to return to Poland in order to aid the refugees attempting to flee their violence-stricken country. The couple started by driving a minibus to and from the border, finding family and friends who could provide temporary housing. After a few weeks of this, Mr. Golata found that he wanted to do more. 

“I came up with this idea that if I would be able to rent an entire hotel and place these vulnerable mothers and children in a hotel, and then allow them to settle, feel safe, looked after, and be able to come to terms with what’s happening, then that would be the best thing,” Jakub said. “And that would also allow me to find the local community volunteers so they can be taken care of a bit more.”

   The Park Hotel, which closed due to pandemic struggles, has become what the Golatas call a “refugee hub”. The hotel can comfortably host around 200 people. Families can take shelter while they try to find a more permanent place to settle, although there is no pressure to move out. It is a welcome break from the worries and fears that have surely been plaguing the minds of the refugees. 

   The Golatas were able to rent the hotel using money contributed by Mr. Golata’s bosses, the Polish arm of Sue Ryder (a humanitarian organization from the UK), and money from the Golatas’ own savings. The couple hopes that the Polish government will take over the hotel soon and replicate the idea in other locations.

Editor’s Note: On March 24th, President Biden announced that the United States will welcome up to 100,000 refugees from the Ukrainian conflict.