an update from Ukraine

download this video: https://vimeo.com/687208024

​Since the onset of active conflict in Ukraine on the 24th of February, over 2 million people have fled the country as refugees, and over 4 million people remain displaced within the country, losing their livelihoods and homes, and separating families. As the conflict continues, and suffering increases, so does the need for coordinated humanitarian support.

Week of Compassion is in close contact with our ecumenical partners, especially through ACT Alliance. These partners, serving in Ukraine and in the bordering nations, continue to respond to emergent and immediate needs. We will remain engaged as conversations continue about long-term responses as well.

Right now, our ecumenical partners are managing logistics and response centers on both sides of their borders. As Ukrainians arrive for assistance, either waiting to travel further, or to connect with other family, they receive safe transport and food, hygiene supplies and medication. Transitional shelters have been established, including in many local churches. Experienced staff are leading countless volunteers in providing warehousing for supplies, distributions to support centers, information for displaced families, and immediate provisions for people who are literally waiting in line.
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A large sector of this humanitarian effort is the church-led response. Week of Compassion is responding, as always, through our ecumenical partners, in these early days, and in the days ahead. 

We ask that you continue to pray for peace to come in ways large and small, for the stamina of relief workers and families, and for the most vulnerable populations who pay the heaviest price in times of crisis. 

We give thanks that you are prepared to wait with us, as our partners assess the greatest needs, and we engage in the most needed response. 

And we are grateful that you give. Contributions can be made to Week of Compassion, either online or by check. When designated for International Emergency Response, 100% of your gift will go to people who are impacted by this crisis.

We continue to pray, and to work, toward the vision of a world where God’s people transform suffering into hope.