Even the most basic items—like food, water, and milk products—are in short supply, but our partners are there purchasing items in bulk and distributing them to people in need. If you would like to support the Ukrainian people but are unsure which organization to give to, HRI has partners on the ground assisting. Together, we can help Ukrainians who fled their homes leaving everything behind to receive basic necessities they need to survive during this massive humanitarian crisis.

Over 5 million people have fled across the border of Ukraine in search of safe haven since the launch of hostilities. As frightened and displaced people flee Ukraine—mostly elderly persons, people with disabilities, and women with infants and young children, HRI is working with local partners to make sure their needs are met. Even the most basic items—like food, water, and milk products—are in short supply, but our partners are there purchasing items in bulk and distributing them to people in need.

If you would like to support the Ukrainian people but are unsure which organization to give to, HRI has partners on the ground assisting. Together, we can help Ukrainians who fled their homes leaving everything behind to receive basic necessities they need to survive during this massive humanitarian crisis.

UPDATE 21 APRIL 2022: 

The organization we are working with/assisting with funding is continuing to support refugees leaving Ukraine, mostly women, children and the elderly. The assistance being provided consists largely of lodging, food, clothing and medical support, as needed. It is a huge undertaking with refugees arriving daily to Poland and Moldova. It is challenging to help with long term planning as most people hope to return to Ukraine, or at least want to wait where they are for other family members to arrive and/or the war to end. Most younger women with small children do not want to be too far from "home" as they anxiously await reunification with their husbands, mothers with their sons, etc. This is a very, very difficult emergency, unlike most we see, as so many of the millions of refugees hold out hope for a "swift" return and are committed to rebuilding.

There are thousands of Ukrainians arriving in the U.S. via Mexico (and some through Canada). This is not a 'regular' route, however at least for now, most are being granted humanitarian parole. This status will allow them to stay in the US legally, and work, for up to one year. Historically, humanitarian parole does NOT offer a route to permanent residency and/or US citizenship and should not be considered as the most viable way to access long term residence in the US.

The US Government has committed to resettling up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine, however, that program has not yet begun. Once refugees begin arriving in the US, people will be able to support services for arriving refugees through local resettlement organizations across the US.

For the moment all we can do is support the efforts to keep the refugees housed, fed and clothed, and pray that this awful war ends soon. The rest lies with the Ukrainian armed forces, NATO, the EU, and of course, the United Nations. The suffering and killing needs to end!

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