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Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis

3 years

of conflict

2.5 million lives changed

by your donations

5,000 people with

restored water access

You can empower Ukrainians.

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, and another 10 million have been forced to flee their homes. CORE has been in Ukraine from the very beginning, building a local team of experts that understand the unique threats facing their communities. Your generosity has powered critical relief work during this conflict, from rebuilding homes and schools, to providing cash and rental assistance to displaced families, and repairing vital infrastructure to restore access to gas lines and clean water.

Over the last three years, donors like you have changed the lives of 2.5 million Ukrainians. As attacks continue to intensify, people in Ukraine urgently need your support. 

Emergency Relief | 2022-now

What caused the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine? 

Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022, causing mass causalities and widespread destruction. Millions of Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes seeking safety and immediate assistance. The invasion created the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II, as entire families were unable to meet basic needs including food, medication, and hygiene items. Access to safe shelter and cash assistance were critical for those resettling away from their homes.   

  
As the war enters its fourth year, the UN estimates that 12.7 million people remain vulnerable and are in need of humanitarian relief. Emergency and long-term recovery support continue to be vital for Ukrainians as they rebuild their lives on the front lines or in new, unfamiliar regions throughout Ukraine. Repairing damaged homes; restoring gas and water systems; finding stable work, food, and shelter; and safely returning children to school are priorities for many, especially amid intensifying attacks from Russia that have targeted areas previously considered safe. 

How is CORE supporting emergency relief and long-term recovery in Ukraine? 

In addition to ongoing emergency relief, CORE is working on longer-term measures to empower Ukrainians impacted by the war. Alongside local community organizations and governments, we’re working to restore life-sustaining civilian infrastructure, such as water towers and gas tanks, and creating more comfortable shelter solutions and community spaces for displaced Ukrainians. CORE offers livelihoods support through employment assistance and resource coordination. 

 

We’re also supporting the repair and construction of bomb shelters in schools and hospitals in the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine. CORE’s evolving efforts in Ukraine ensure that despite the active war, students can safely return to classrooms and continue their education among their peers. 

> Substantial repair and reconstruction of individual households, schools, and community-based centers

 

> Restoration of water towers and centralized water systems, pumps, and tanks 

 

> Distributing firewood and other heating materials to ensure people living on the front lines stay warm during winter

 

> Cash assistance to help displaced families and individuals cover the cost of rent and utilities    

 

> Restoring gas systems to ensure residents living on the front lines can heat their homes, cook food, and use hot water 

   

> Distribution of food and hygiene kits customized for the needs of vulnerable communities repeatedly targeted by ongoing fire 

 

> Supporting the agricultural sector with fuel for harvesting and demining   

 

> Supplying digital tools and software to serve affected populations, especially persons with disabilities, through partnership with administrative centers  

 

> Provision of critical nonfood items (NFIs) to collective centers and healthcare facilities, including construction materials, laundry machines, diesel generators to sustain operations of central water and heating systems during blackouts

looking back | 2022-2023

CORE’s early response in Poland and Romania

CORE deployed within the first week of war, with teams on the ground in Poland, Romania, and then Ukraine. We rapidly coordinated with local government and international and local partners to meet the critical needs of Ukrainian refugees in Poland and Romania, and displaced and vulnerable communities in Ukraine.  

 

For the first year, our response prioritized providing flexible cash assistance to help refugee families access food, water, and safe transit; rehabilitating or supporting community-based shelters with supplies and staffing; distributing food and hygiene kits; supporting mental wellness and protection services for refugees; and distributing generators, coal, and firewood to keep homes and shelters warm during winter.  

Stories

Marking Three Years of CORE’s Ukraine Response

Every day the fighting continues, there is more to be done, and there will be much to do long after the guns are silenced. CORE remains committed to adapting our critical programs to support Ukrainians and efforts to rebuild for the long haul.

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A man standing with pieces of wood that he received from CORE's effort in keeping Ukrainians warm through the winter.

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.

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