Emergency aid for people in Ukraine

Project Update

As the war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year, humanitarian needs remain severe, while exhaustion and uncertainty increasingly affect families and communities. During this reporting period, Caritas Austria maintained its emergency response while further adapting programs to support longer-term stability, particularly for children, elderly people, and families living close to the frontlines or in prolonged displacement.

Through established local partnerships and Caritas networks, assistance was delivered in a way that remains flexible, needs-based, and closely coordinated with community actors on the ground.

What We Achieved

Sustaining Life-Saving Assistance

Emergency support continued for people facing the most acute hardship.

• More than 11,500 individuals received humanitarian assistance, including cash support, essential household items, and winter-related aid.
• Heating and winterization support helped over 3,800 households cope with cold temperatures and energy shortages.
• Access to safe water and hygiene was improved for approximately 2,900 households through WASH upgrades and hygiene distributions.

Cash-based assistance remained a key tool, allowing families to respond flexibly to rising costs and urgent needs.

Protecting Children and Supporting Families

Children continue to bear a heavy psychological and social burden of the war. Caritas Austria therefore prioritized child-centred services and family support.

• Around 3,400 children and adolescents participated in education support, psychosocial activities, and life-skills programs.
• Family counselling, legal assistance, and parenting support reached over 2,400 families, strengthening coping mechanisms and protective environments for children.
• Teachers and social workers were supported through trainings on child safeguarding and inclusive education, reinforcing safety and trust in community learning spaces.

Expanding Community-Based Care

Homecare and palliative services remain vital for elderly and chronically ill people, many of whom are isolated or displaced.

• 1,450 individuals received regular homecare or palliative support across 12 regions.
• The School of Volunteers trained an additional 230 volunteers, expanding community capacity for non-medical care and companionship.
• Improved digital case management tools enhanced coordination between professional staff and volunteers, ensuring continuity of care even under difficult conditions.

Strengthening Local Resilience

Alongside direct assistance, Caritas Austria invested in strengthening local systems and preparedness.

• Community dialogues and advocacy exchanges with local NGOs and authorities supported more coordinated responses for vulnerable groups.
• Disaster risk reduction and preparedness trainings increased community resilience in areas exposed to ongoing conflict and infrastructure damage.

Impact

The project continues to provide a vital safety net for people affected by war, while gradually supporting a shift from emergency survival to stability and dignity. Families reported greater ability to meet basic needs, children accessed safer spaces and consistent support, and vulnerable individuals received care that would otherwise be unavailable.

Looking Forward

In 2026, Caritas Austria will continue balancing emergency assistance with resilience-building measures. Priorities include expanding psychosocial support for children, strengthening community-based care services, and deepening cooperation with local partners to ensure sustainable impact in an increasingly protracted crisis.

With the continued support of GlobalGiving donors, Caritas Austria remains committed to standing with people in Ukraine for as long as the need persists.