American Red Cross Awards Grant to Support CORE’s Long-term Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine, Poland & Romania

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – November 2023 – CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is pleased to announce an additional generous grant of $3 million from the American Red Cross to support the organization’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. 

This contribution follows an initial grant from the Red Cross of $5 million USD in April 2022, and a top-up contribution of $2 million USD in December 2022 These funds have enabled CORE’s ongoing commitment to serve internally displaced people in Ukraine and refugees who continue to flee the international armed conflict.

In partnership with local governments and community-based organizations, CORE has supported nearly 70,000 conflict-affected people across Ukraine, Poland and Romania. This additional donation from American Red Cross will build upon past and present cross–sector relief programs, to meet the evolving needs of communities.

Ramona and Luliana, social workers with CORE, are part of a mobile team that provides outreach and resources for refugees living on the outskirts of Bucharest who can’t make their way to support sites in the city center. CORE Photo by Bogdan Dinca 2022.

Under the American Red Cross, CORE, through the local partner Southern Development Strategy, procured and delivered 1,400 much-needed bags of heating coal to remote communities near the front lines in Kherson in February 2023. CORE photo by Nazarov Serhii 2023.

Expanding on the provision of critical assistance to the frontlines and recently liberated areas in Ukraine, and to neighboring host countries, this tranche of funding will build on existing efforts focused on dignified, sustainable shelter solutions, vital food assistance, clean water, sanitation, and livelihood support.

As the international armed conflict in Ukraine approaches its second full year, CORE is dedicated to collaborating with communities to address the growing need for more long-term, durable solutions for internally displaced Ukrainians and those who have been forced to flee.

“Since the escalation of this conflict two years ago, the Red Cross’ partnership in supporting Ukraine has been unwavering,” said Ann Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of CORE. “Whether food assistance or providing shelter to displaced families, none of what we have accomplished in the region would have been possible without AmRC support.”

“The American Red Cross is proud to partner with CORE to strengthen communities in and around Ukraine. Our continued partnership works to meet the evolving needs of those impacted and in hopes of providing a better tomorrow,” said Rob Kaufman, Head of Mission, Field Representative, Ukraine and Impacted Countries Crisis, who leads the American Red Cross response in the region.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About CORE

Founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is a global crisis response organization that brings immediate aid and long-term recovery solutions to underserved communities. When a crisis strikes, CORE responds immediately to fill gaps, mobilize resources, and establish trust and collaboration from within communities. CORE has played a pivotal role in providing critical relief to marginalized and vulnerable populations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine as it continues its mission of empowering communities in and beyond crisis around the world. More information: www.coreresponse.org and follow CORE on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.