On February 24, Russia launched a military invasion into Ukraine leading many to seek shelter and safety from the attacks. Humanitarian needs in the country have steadily been increasing since armed conflict first broke out with the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Today, almost 3 million people in Ukraine are relying on humanitarian assistance to meet basic needs and for emergency medical supports. It is estimated that more than 500,000 Ukranians have already fled to neighboring countries since the invasion, many traveling days without food or water. These numbers are expected to rise given the escalating conflict.
How to Help
In response to the humanitarian crisis precipitated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the CCF community may be wondering how best to support relief efforts. Listed below are organizations that are providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians impacted by the conflict and forced to flee from their homes.
In-Country Support
Many Ukrainians who are unable to leave and remain in the country are being assisted by the following organizations supporting on-the-ground relief efforts:
- International Medical Corps is deploying mobile medical teams to provide essential emergency and primary health services, mental health support, and COVID-19 awareness and prevention services.
- Direct Relief is collecting and fulfilling medical needs as the crisis unfolds. They are mobilizing requested supplies such as mobile medical packs and critical care items for blood pressure support, intubation/ventilation, IV antibiotics, and fluids.
- UNICEF is trucking safe water to conflict-affected areas and prepositioning health, hygiene and emergency education supplies as close as possible to communities near the line of conflict.
- Save the Children is prioritizing cash and vouchers assistance so families can purchase food and other essentials. They are also addressing needs across health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and shelter as part of the first phase of the response.
- International Committee of the Red Cross is repairing vital infrastructure, supporting health facilities with medicines and equipment, and providing families with food and hygiene items.
Refugee and Resettlement Support
For those that have been forced to leave their homes and flee to neighboring countries, the following organizations are supporting Ukrainian refugees during this critical time:
- World Central Kitchen (WCK) is on the ground in Poland and Romania serving hot, nourishing meals to the tens of thousands of refugees that are streaming across the Ukraine border each day. WCK is also working with restaurants inside Ukraine to serve residents remaining in the country.
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is providing support to displaced people in the countries neighboring Ukraine. Teams are distributing food, water, clothing, bedding, hygiene sets, blankets, and providing SIM cards so that families can stay connected amid the turmoil. In some locations, Red Crossers are pitching tents while others are opening their homes or preparing state-run evacuation centers for refugees.
- International Rescue Committee is mobilizing resources to aid the people in Ukraine who were forced to leave the country in the wake of escalating attacks. They are working with partners and local civil society organizations in Poland and Ukraine to assess capacity for responding to an increase of refugees and people in need.
CCF fundholders who wish to support these efforts through their donor advised fund may make grants directly on DonorConnect. For any questions, please contact your Relationship Manager or email DonorRelations@calfund.org.