Centering Community in Homestay Hosting: Supporting Displaced Ukrainian Women in Toronto

This presentation will share findings from our community-based research examining homestay hosting arrangements for displaced Ukrainian women living with Canadian host families in Toronto. The project explores how safety, dignity, belonging, and wellbeing are shaped within private home-based hosting environments, and how community partnerships can strengthen support systems for both hosts and displaced women.

Grounded in lived experiences, this research was co-developed with community organizations and prioritizes the voices of Ukrainian women and service providers. We will discuss key findings, community-informed recommendations, and implications for strengthening ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive homestay hosting practices.