Crisis in Ukraine – Information & Ways to Help

On February 24, 2022, Ukraine was attacked and invaded by Russia, resulting in millions of Ukrainians fleeing the country for safety, and millions more at risk of harm in Ukraine from the ongoing attacks. As Ukrainians seek refuge in Ukraine and neighboring countries, humanitarian efforts are underway to provide essentials such as medical supplies, hygiene items, food, water, and health services. This is a complex situation, and the needs in Ukraine and neighboring countries will continue to evolve and change.

BASIC NEEDS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE

Families arriving in Connecticut from Ukraine can find assistance at the following refugee and immigrant organizations and also by accessing the 2-1-1 database for basic needs, such as food and clothing services, found statewide. If housing is needed, then dial 211 for assistance.

Find available services at the following:

Basic Need Resources: https://uwc.211ct.org/categorysearch/basicneeds/
Food Resources: https://uwc.211ct.org/categorysearch/food/

CONNECTICUT REFUGEE & IMMIGRANT ORGANIZATIONS ASSISTING WITH SERVICES:

Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) is a non-profit agency which helps refugees and immigrants by providing support, which includes housing, employment, health, legal, educational and case management services, during their transition to life in Connecticut. Click here for more information on services: IRIS Website

Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is a non-profit agency which provides effective advocacy for immigrants and refugees, by providing legal, economic, linguistic, and social services to immigrants and refugees, during their transition to life in Connecticut. Click here for more information on services: CIRI Website

For additional legal assistance with navigating services, search the 2-1-1 website for a legal service organization that may be able to assist. Put in a city/town or zip code in the “location box”, at the following link, to find a site providing: Immigration/Naturalization Legal Services

HOW TO HELP

Individuals, regardless of where they reside, can help those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Financial donations are preferred at this time.

Make a Donation

American Red Cross: The American Red Cross depends on financial donations to be able to provide disaster relief immediately. To help those affected in Ukraine, donations can be made by visiting www.redcross.org/donate or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. In times of disaster, financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
Americares: The Americares Emergency Response Team is prepared to support families affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Financial donations to Americares will be used to help provide medical supports to those affected. To make a donation, go to https://www.americares.org/crisis-alerts/conflict-in-ukraine/ and click ‘Help Families Facing Crisis.’
International Medical Corps: The International Medical Corps is expanding their work to provide relief services, such as health and medical-related support to those in need. Donations to support this work can be made by visiting www.internationalmedicalcorps.org and click the ‘DONATE NOW’ button.
International Rescue Committee (IRC): IRC developed an Emergency Response Fund to help Ukrainian families with emergency necessities, such as food and medical supplies. To donate to IRC, go to: www.rescue.org/ and click ‘Donate’.
UNICEF USA: To learn more about UNICEF’s work in Ukraine and to make a donation, go to https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/conflict-ukraine-pose-immediate-threat-children.
United Way Worldwide (UWW): UWW has established the United for Ukraine Fund that provides short-term support, such as medicine, transportation, and hygiene products, as well as long-term support to Ukrainians. Donations can be made online at https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/work/no-nav/unitedforukraine.
World Central Kitchen: Fresh meals are being made and served to Ukrainians in Ukraine and nearby countries. To contribute to this initiative, go to www.wck.org and click the ‘Donate’ button at the top of the webpage.

Important information about charitable giving: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers tips to donors on avoiding scammers and donating money to legitimate disaster relief organizations. Visit https://give.org/news/wise-giving-wednesday-tips-on-donations-to-assist-ukraine-relief-efforts for more information.

CONTACTING LOVED ONES

If you are looking for a U.S. citizen missing in Ukraine or Russia, please contact the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.

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SOURCES: American Red Cross, UNICEF, state.gov, UN Refugee Agency; Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS); Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)
PREPARED BY: 211/lr
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: April2023