How to help the people of Ukraine

Ukraine—The Russian military invasion of Ukraine has caused a fast-moving and dangerous humanitarian crisis. As the Russian troops have moved into the country, it has become clear that civilians are being targeted. The people of Ukraine have been forced to decide between becoming refugees, leaving their lives behind, or staying and resisting Putin’s forces.

Finding food, gas, medicine, and safe shelter has become difficult for Ukrainians staying in the country. As it has become increasingly apparent that the Russian military is targeting civilians, providing aid has become more difficult and urgent.

It is a long road for those who make the difficult decision to leave their homes and go to neighboring countries, including Poland, Hungary, Moldovia, and Romania. The weather is freezing, and often the routes are not safe. Families have been separated from fathers, brothers, and husbands as the Ukraine government prohibits men between 16 and 60 from leaving the country.

As of 03/08/22, over 1.5 million Ukrainians have crossed into neighboring countries, including Poland, Hungary, Moldovia, and Romania. This is a huge number of displaced people who can stress the hosting countries without the international aid of food, medicine, and sanitation. In addition to the immediate needs, these people will need help to start over, find sponsors or family in other countries, and given emotional support.

The war atrocities are being seen throughout the world, if not Russia, and many want to help those affected. Below are nonprofits that have been working in Ukraine since the start of Russian aggression in 2014. Please go to their websites and learn more about the work and the status of this crisis.

Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders

MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders, has established projects in Ukraine, working with local volunteers, organizations, health care professionals since the first Russian invasion in 2014. As the war in Ukraine escalates, the organization has focused its work within Ukraine and neighboring countries providing sanctuary for refugees.

Visit their website for more information about the work the organization provides and to make donations, https://tinyurl.com/2uk7x3b6

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

The international organization provides emergency assistance to families from Ukraine by providing aid, including cash assistance and opportunities for relocation.

“UNHCR is working with the authorities, UN, and other partners in Ukraine and is ready to provide humanitarian assistance wherever necessary and possible. To that effect, security and access for humanitarian efforts must be guaranteed,” the organization ssaid in a statement.

https://www.unrefugees.org

CARE

CARE is raising money for its Ukraine Crisis Fund to provide immediate aid, including food, water, hygiene kits, support services, and direct cash assistance to people in Ukraine.

The humanitarian organization aims to raise $20 million and help at least 4 million Ukrainians. It says it will prioritize women and girls, families, and the elderly who are at high risk.

https://tinyurl.com/2dr7wb85

Global Empowerment Mission

GEM partners with other organizations, including bstrong, a nonprofit founded by Real Housewife of New York Bethenny Frankel. The group has raised over $35 million as of 3/6/22 for Ukraine relief. The focus is not just on immediate needs but also on helping the refugees establish new lives. This is a newer nonprofit that focus on the urgent needs of people during a disaster and facilitating the next steps to make victims whole. Helping to find sustainable futures.

https://tinyurl.com/2dwhembe

UNICEF

UNICEF launched an emergency response in Ukraine in 2014 and has continued as the conflict with Russia continued to escalate.

“Children have been killed. Children have been wounded. And children are being profoundly traumatized by the violence all around them. We must protect all children in Ukraine. Now. They need peace.” — UNICEF Executive Director Catherine M. Russell

Visit their website for more information and to make dontations, https://www.unicefusa.org/crisis-ukraine