From Emergency assistance to recovery support: Two Years of Comprehensive Assistance in Ukraine
Published: Feb 23, 2024 Reading time: 5 minutes
When millions of Ukrainian families were forced to flee shelling in February 2022, they left their homes with nothing but the necessities. For the most part, people carried only one bag and their documents. Often, it was impossible to take any of their belongings as their houses were burning in front of their eyes. Confused and scared, with children in their arms, victims evacuated to safer places. Since the earliest days of the full-scale invasion, our team has been helping those whose lives have been devastated by this ruthless war. Despite the challenges they face, the Ukrainian people do not give up. And their resilience inspires our entire team.
BASIC NECESSITIES AS A MANIFESTATION OF CARE
In the first days of the full-scale invasion, our team distributed food and hygiene kits at railway stations, host communities, towns, and villages on the front line. We delivered furniture, dishes, and warm clothes to internally displaced families. We continue this support as we understand how difficult it is to start your life from scratch.
One of the families we helped is a large family from Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Alyona and Hennadiy are raising six of their children in addition to five foster children. The war forced them to move from their beloved home but did not deprive them of their desire to fight for the future. As parents, they are doing their best to ensure that their children are comfortable and safe, but they need support. That's why we brought them food and hygiene kits, which the Ukraine Humanitarian Foundation helped purchase.
LIFE-SAVING WATER SUPPLY
Water is one of the resources people will risk their lives for. In settlements where networks have been destroyed by rockets and shells, the death tolls are increasing. Thousands of residents near the frontline are struggling with such challenges. We are restoring water supplies and sewage systems to ensure people can access basic needs. When an explosion destroyed the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam, we delivered bottled water to the affected towns and villages on the second day after the disaster.
With the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, our convoy arrived in Donetsk Oblast, to Chasiv Yar and the neighbouring settlements, to provide drinking water to around 5,000 residents.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Most IDPs struggle to secure employment, so financial support is a lifeline for them in the most challenging times. Our assistance also aims to reach vulnerable people living near the frontline who need money to meet their basic needs, such as food and medicine.
Kateryna's family from Chernihiv Oblast had the opportunity to get back on their feet after shelling damaged their home. With funds from the European Union, we supported this family and provided them with money to restore their damaged home.
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH
War does not only take lives; it also tears away at the souls of survivors. People live in a state of constant anxiety and fear for themselves and their families. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, we have significantly increased psychosocial support. Our psychologists provide individual and group counselling and use methods developed specifically for people affected by military aggression. We also offer a round-the-clock telephone support Hotline for those who dare not open up in person.
SAFE EDUCATION
Due to shelling and destroyed schools, thousands of children in Ukraine have no choice but to study online. The war has affected students' psychological states, emotional stability, and academic performance. To help children return to their desks and communicate with their peers as soon as possible, we have repaired 20 educational institutions and 7 bomb shelters. In addition, our team has opened 10 “Be Smart” Digital Learning Centres where students can attend workshops and improve their knowledge with additional math and Ukrainian language lessons.
HOUSING RECONSTRUCTION
More than 170,000 residential buildings in Ukraine have been destroyed or damaged, and the number grows every day. Immediately after shelling, we try to provide victims with materials for emergency repairs. We replace damaged windows and doors and repair damaged roofs. This assistance allows people to return home without spending their money renting accommodation.
Seven months of shelling have left terrible traces in the Pryshyb district in Kharkiv Oblast. Out of 702 houses, 500 were damaged. One of the explosions killed five women at once. It is a bit calmer here now, and people are starting to return home, but they face a difficult question: how do they repair their homes without money? The European Union is helping us to support these people.
SHELTER FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
Many people who fled from shelling have settled in collective centres, and we make sure that IDPs live in comfort and safety. Depending on their needs, our team repairs the centres and provides furniture, appliances, and utensils. Residents also receive food and hygiene products.
A former medical building in Vorokhta, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, has become the second home for people from eastern and southern Ukraine. It is home to 130 residents: families with nowhere to return and older people who cannot care for themselves.
RELIABLE PARTNERSHIP
People in Need has partnered with more than 200 non-governmental organisations. Close cooperation and the pooling of resources and experience have allowed us to deliver humanitarian aid to the most challenging parts of Ukraine.
More than 200 houses were destroyed in Korobochkine village, Kharkiv Oblast. Therefore, the residents’ primary need was construction materials. Together with our partner organisation, Rescue Now UA, we provided emergency housing repair kits and hygiene products to residents.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
We support people who have lost all their property due to the war and admire the resolve of those who have not given up and chosen to rebuild their businesses. We have selected 150 owners of relocated and local businesses who will soon receive cash grants for development. This financial aid will help create more jobs and fill local budgets.
