SARASOTA – A Sarasota woman had her Ukrainian family move in with her just days after war broke out in Kyiv.
Now, she is having to bend over backwards to get them on their feet.
“I just basically said get on a plane and get here, well figure it out and that’s what we’ve been trying to do,” said Sarasota Resident, Heather Anthou.
At the beginning of March, Sarasota resident, Heather Anthou and her three children welcomed her cousin and her family to stay in her home after they fled the war in Kyiv. They drove to Poland with two bags, leaving family, friends and even pets behind. Andrew made it past the border just hours before men were prohibited from leaving Ukraine. He says he wanted to stay and fight for his country but knew his family needed him more than ever
“He wanted to return but I said no, I can’t live alone with all this stress and kids,” said Stopina Alina and Stopin Andrew, Ukrainians from Kyiv.
Since their arrival in early March, Heather began receiving complaints from the Homeowners Association for having multiple family members living in her home without permission. As well as fines for oil stains in her driveway and unannounced property inspections.
“I have to find them somewhere to live before the end of this month and the clock is ticking, we have issues where they don’t have American credit, they have credit and they have beautiful jobs, a life and home in Ukraine and now here we are,” said Anthou.
Heather says the search for a home has been relentless, while many are over-priced, scams, or have fallen through
“Obviously we’re a tight fit here, we can’t live this way forever, but I think it would be wonderful if there was someone who has a home nearby, a snowbird or someone who isn’t using it for the next six months that we could rent, someone that would be understanding and just be human,” said Anthou.
For the couple and their two kids, life in the United States has been a major adjustment
“We’re not thinking about a future here now, were just thinking about when we can return,” said Stopina Alina and Stopin Andrew, Ukrainians from Kyiv.
For Heather, the clock is ticking to help and protect her family
“Obviously there are rules in place for a reason, but I also think sometimes there are circumstances and I think this is one that can be overlooked,” said Anthou.
SNN has reached out the HOA for further comment but has not yet received a response.
Anyone interested in helping the family, can reach out the heather via email at Heatherj2828@gmail.com
