Who we are
We are a team of volunteers who were once newcomers to America. Each of us faced the challenges of starting over—from finding an apartment and a first job to building new connections and a sense of belonging. We needed someone who understood what refugees and immigrants go through and could lend a hand.
Though time has passed, the challenges newcomers face remain—and have only gotten harder. When russia launched its full-scale war on February 24, 2022, many Ukrainians arrived in the United States. We were already helping in many ways but saw a chance to do more—and that’s how Hugspace was born.
While we continue to focus on supporting Ukrainians, we have expanded our mission to assist all immigrants and refugees seeking guidance and emotional support in the U.S.
We are here to help you navigate the rollercoaster of emotions with empathetic, confidential, and culturally sensitive support. Think of us as your emotional GPS—ready to reroute you when life gets bumpy!
Why Hugspace?
Hugspace is a warmline, an academy, and a peer community. We all need a safe space to talk and feel understood. While the U.S. programs for refugees exist, they often lack cultural support. That is why we created Hugspace—a space, where you can get a hug—physical or emotional. Studies confirm that hugs ease pain, anxiety, and depression.
Our peer navigators are fluent in Ukrainian, English, and Russian and are just a call away to support you through the resettlement journey. We also partner with certified trainers to teach stress management, meditation, and breathing exercises.
