CINCINNATI — In his spare bedroom, Robert Glass worked to create as homey an atmosphere as possible. There’s a bed, a private bathroom, fresh towels and empty dresser. 

All it’s missing is a guest, and Glass hopes they’ll come soon. 

Glass is a potential host in the Cincinnati area, offering his room to Ukrainian refugees on the website Ukraine Take Shelter. 

Two Harvard students designed the website, hoping to serve as a public bulletin to connect displaced Ukrainians with hosts willing to take them in for temporary or long-term stays. The website is translated into more than a dozen languages.

Russia’s invasion displaced more than two million Ukrainians, most of which haven’t had the chance to go through the official channels to get the United Nations’ official refugee status designation or permanent resettlement. 

Ukraine Take Shelter aims to serve as an intermediary service, helping Ukrainians find short-term relief with hosts willing and able to help while they wait to take their next steps.

“This could be a really important moment for someone that lost their home and their country,” Glass said. 

Glass said he felt helpless watching the news out of Ukraine started looking for a way to help about a week ago. 

“I heard on the news that there were refugees going to other countries and they were opening up their borders and their homes to them and I was like, why can’t I?” he said.

Living alone, Glass had extra space in his home and previously hoped to open it up to foster or adopt. 

“Now, I’m a little too old to parent, but I can do this,” he said. 

To protect the safety of the hosts and refugees, the website does not track the exact locations of anyone and provides a safety questionnaire for both sides, so they’re aware of what they should look for to verify everyone is who they say they are.

So far, the website claims thousands of hosts from around the world have signed up to help and hundreds of refugees have found temporary homes.

“I did notice there’s quite a few listings for Cincinnati,” Glass said. “That’s great to see. There’s people out there in the area that have the same idea.”

Glass has been on the website for about two weeks and he said he has not received an inquiry, but he’s ready to help at a moment’s notice if he does. 

“I can offer transportation from the airport if they need it,” he said. “Whatever I can do to help.”

Even if he doesn’t ultimately get matched, Glass said he’s grateful for the opportunity to open his doors.

“If this could be someone’s home, even if it’s temporary, that would be great,” he said. “You give how you can, and this is something I can do.”