Emergency aid for people in Ukraine

Overview

Since the onset of conflict in Ukraine, Caritas Austria has remained a steadfast partner to the most vulnerable communities across the country. Through your generous support, we have implemented a wide range of impactful programs addressing both urgent humanitarian needs and long-term recovery efforts. Our focus continues to be on displaced families, children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities—ensuring they have access to safety, support, and hope.

Key Achievements to Date

Thanks to your contributions, the following major interventions have been successfully carried out:

1. Humanitarian Aid for Conflict-Affected Communities

• Over 10,000 individuals in Eastern Ukraine have received emergency aid including food, hygiene items, and basic healthcare.
• 3,000 households along the contact line were supported with winterization kits—providing heating supplies, winter clothing, and targeted cash assistance.
• WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions improved conditions for 2,500 families, helping to maintain health and dignity amid displacement.

2. Support for Children and Families

• 3,000 children and youth gained access to quality education, including life-skills programs and inclusive learning environments.
• 2,000 vulnerable families were supported with legal assistance, parenting workshops, and psycho-social services to create safer home environments.
• Caritas expanded Child-Friendly Spaces and strengthened child protection measures in schools through educator training and local partnerships.

3. Shelter and Safe Housing

• Six shelters were established for elderly internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in Western and Southern Ukraine, offering not only safe housing but also social and health support.
• 20 modular houses were installed in Kyiv and Kharkiv, providing immediate shelter for families who lost their homes.

4. Psychosocial and Legal Support

• Crisis Centers provided integrated services, combining psychological counseling and legal aid to help individuals process trauma and navigate bureaucratic barriers.
• Programs in high-risk and remote areas extended mental health care and legal assistance, especially for children and women.

5. Homecare and Palliative Support for the Elderly

• 1,300 elderly people received professional homecare and palliative services across 10 regions.
• Through the "School of Volunteers" initiative, 200 individuals were trained to deliver compassionate non-medical support, increasing local caregiving capacity.

6. Capacity Building and Systemic Change

• Caritas collaborated with NGOs and local government in policy development workshops, laying the foundation for sustainable community-based support systems.
• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programs were introduced in vulnerable regions, equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to respond to future crises.

The Importance of Continued Support

Your ongoing support is critical—not only for meeting immediate humanitarian needs but also for laying the groundwork for recovery and resilience. From shelter and food to education and psychosocial care, every donation contributes directly to saving lives and restoring hope. The shift from emergency response to long-term development is underway, and your partnership makes that possible.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, Caritas Austria will continue to expand its impact by:

• Scaling up educational and psychosocial support for children.
• Strengthening local partnerships for sustainable service delivery.
• Enhancing digital tools for better care management and outreach.