Keeping Ukrainians Warm Through Winter

Journeys Towards Rebuilding

Keeping Ukrainians Warm Through Winter

As the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears, it’s important to look past the headlines and remember those on the ground, the ones who’ve faced the brunt of the aggression and endured the unrelenting harsh conditions. Today, millions of Ukrainians remain displaced from their homes, unsure of where to go next or what the future might bring.

There are others, however, who, as more time passes and international housing resources dwindle, return to where they fled from, often near the front lines, looking for comfort in their own home. Unfortunately, they find their houses damaged, in disrepair, and often destroyed by ongoing fighting.

When they return, many are left to pick up the pieces of their former lives, struggling to find a sense of normalcy and belonging, and, in some cases, struggling to survive. The winter months, when the temperature plunges dangerously low, amplify these harsh realities. Fighting has shattered windows and left roofs with gaping holes, allowing the frigid cold to creep inside exposing residents to the elements.

Worse still, critical infrastructure was targeted and destroyed during the war. Many people living in these areas now don’t have access to running water or, even more critically, natural gas or other heating options during the winter, giving them little to combat the cold.

“I stayed there (Poland) for six months, and then I began to miss home. I said I would rather be here in my homeland than there.” – Volodymyr, Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Understanding this life-threatening problem, CORE is currently working in frontline communities, implementing a comprehensive winterization campaign to assist those in need.

Throughout the past year, CORE has repaired homes by replacing broken or faulty windows or making critical fixes to damaged roofs.

In addition, CORE has worked to replace critically damaged infrastructure, including natural gas pipes and electrical lines, and installed water towers that provide fresh, potable drinking water. Each initiative strives to restore dignity to those who have already lost far too much and continue to live in fear of falling bombs.

“Thank you very much for helping us so much. Let’s hope that everything will be fine and the war will end.” – Liubov, Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Today, CORE’s local staff is providing critical firewood supplies to homes on the frontlines that have yet to have gas restored or those who cannot afford it. Make no mistake about it: With temperatures consistently below freezing, this firewood is a lifeline to families who would otherwise go cold.

CORE’s team is working around the clock to provide cords of firewood to as many people as possible. However, we acknowledge that this essential work is just a drop in the bucket for those suffering at the hands of war. CORE is committed to helping Ukrainians in need and will continue to be on the ground, doing all that we can. If you’d like to learn more about our ongoing programs in Ukraine, please visit our page.

Throughout the past year, CORE has repaired homes by replacing broken or faulty windows or making critical fixes to damaged roofs.