The Shelter project: assistance to internally displaced people

Few could have predicted the development of events at the end of February when Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The things the world witnessed were a complete shock to civilized humanity. The number of victims of the war is astounding even if you don’t count the dead and wounded.

The UN stated that the war has caused the fastest and largest displacement of people in Europe since World War II. As of the end of March at least 2 million people were reported as internally displaced. As of May, over 6 million people fled the country and some 13 million people have suffered as a result of the war. Here is another figure: a total of 4.8 million jobs were lost in the months following Russia’s invasion, and the number of unemployed people continues to rise. A huge number of people suddenly found themselves in a situation where they require help with everything – from housing and water to psychological support.

The East Europe Foundation (EEF) together with its partner non-government organisations launched the Shelter project back in April to help Ukrainians, and it seems that there is as much to be done as before, if not more. As of June 2022, the EEF states that the number of those in need of support reached 15.7 million, including 7.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Those not in the know can hardly imagine the scope of work behind these figures. The project was launched in April and shortly after 30 centers for IDPs were set up. 65 000 were provided with assistance, and 217 tonnes of humanitarian aid were delivered to 15 oblasts. At least 4 946 IDPs, including 1 336 children, 2 621 women and 989 men received aid.

“In real life these figures mean… a manifestation of normal life: children, elderly people, women who were forced to flee their homes, sometimes without a change of clothes, personal items, medicine, elementary hygiene items, and, often, with pets (there are quite a few of those) received protection, a roof over their heads, food and the necessities,” say these people. “Most importantly we feel safe, as safe as it can be at the moment. We are eternally grateful to the locals, as they make sure that the guests feel welcome and share everything with them. The war makes you realize that there is no such thing as someone else’s grief.

The foundation’s representatives say that the entire West of Ukraine has turned into a strong humanitarian front. Although missiles reach this region, everybody is confident that Ukraine will win because they see with their own eyes proof that Ukraine stands united. Here are some examples. In the beginning of March, Muculab Shelter opened in the village of Lysets, near Ivano-Frankivsk. With the support of donors and Youth NGO ‘STAN’, conditions were created in the shelter that would resemble peaceful life to an extent: a microwave oven, vacuum cleaner, dishwashers and washing machines were purchased. Prior to this, the same household appliances were installed in two other shelters in Ivano-Frankivsk oblast, which house over 100 IDPs.

The situation is different in the Kharkiv region as it is constantly being shelled. Recently, another shipment of medications, baby food and personal hygiene items was delivered for families with small children in the Merefa community for the ‘Mother and Child Room’, which operates under the Humanitarian Hub of Agency for Development and Investment.

More than 300 families with children up to three-years-old received baby food, medicines, personal hygiene items, clothes and toys in the first month of the ‘Mother and Child Room’ operation alone.

Volyn oblast is another area where the Shelter works in cooperation with Volyn Institute of Law – a public organisation. The local shelters are also equipped with all the necessary items: 13 beds (two for people with disabilities) with mattresses; 7 drawers; and 9 sets of bed linen and 10 pillows and blankets were purchased under the Shelter project. Also, the residents of the Novovolynsk shelter were provided with 14 multicookers and 4 washing machines.

The funds the Foundation attracts for this project come from many places. In May-June, the foundation’s efforts were supported by several international donors, including the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine. Thanks to this support, EEF has an opportunity to expand the range of non-profit and charity organisations that efficiently support those affected by the war in their communities. Organisations of this type can submit applications for funding for these activities.

Finally, there is one special source of support to Ukrainians. Eight-year-old Michelle, who is studying in The King Alfred School in London, stitched a heart for her Ukrainian babysitter. She stitched another heart and asked her mother if she could wear one herself on her school uniform. This is how the wonderful story of ‘united hearts’ began. Michele’s classmates supported her idea to help Ukraine and sold 250 hearts in one day. Those were the first 250 pounds sterling raised. Now the orders are coming from all around the world and Michelle is busy making new hearts. The sum raised by the children as well as 3 500 pounds sterling from The King Alfred School in London were transferred to support the Shelter project.

Europe supports Ukraine, both in the EU and inside the country where the war is raging, because we are close and we are together.

Read about how the Shelter project helps people who were forced to flee their homes, who are staying in besieged cities and those affected by the war here.