Since the start of the war, getting groceries has been everything from a struggle to impossible for thousands of Ukrainians. Everything from shortages, supply chain issues, lack of transportation, lack of employees in a grocery store, lack of funds – there are more obstacles than ever when it comes to getting basic daily food items. Thanks to our team in Ukraine, we’ve been able to buy, collect, store and deliver food items to many people in the Sumy region. Often at the risk of their own safety, our team has purchased and delivered food to those who aren’t able to get it themselves for various reasons.
Attacks on hospitals and medical workers have been a horrific reality in Ukraine since Russia invaded in February. Many pharmacies and hospitals have shortages both of staff and supplies. Ukrainians waiting to get medicine at the pharmacy have sometimes waited hours in line to get basic supplies as well as life saving medications and treatments. Help with the cost and the actual collection of medical supplies has been a need felt by many. Your support can help us get pharmaceuticals bought and delivered, as well as help with fees for doctors and hospitals.
There are thousands who have volunteered to fight to defend their country, their freedom, their families. For many in the Ukrainian military, local militia and other law enforcement they simply don’t have the necessary supplies. They often lack what seems like it should be the basics – helmets, bulletproof vests, first aid, boots, tactical gear, blankets, dog tags for id. With local partners and online resources, we’re able to purchase these items and get them to the men and women who are already fighting bravely, with or without the proper equipment.
In May the estimates were that over 5 million jobs have been lost in Ukraine since the start of the war. There are millions of people not only fearing for their lives, but fearing for how to pay their bills. Through personal connections and our network of locals, we’ve been able to support a number of Ukrainians with their regular bills so they can continue to live in their homes, and keep the lights, heat, or water on.
Since the war began getting gas isn’t just a simple task. It has risen in price more than we’ve even seen in the states. In many areas there is a limit on how much gas you are able to get at one time. Most always you wait in a long line to even get any, sometimes for hours. Donations to our war relief effort have helped put gas in the tank for many people in Ukraine. Some to flee the Russian occupied areas, some to drive supplies to people who can’t leave, some to get military volunteers to their posts.
Millions of people have left Ukraine since the war began on February 24th, 2022. Some have fled to countries where they have been able to receive a certain amount of aid and support for a limited time. Many people we know who have fled are either out of savings, staying with a friend, still searching for somewhere they can afford long term, considering going back, or some combination of all of the above. Many are struggling financially on top of everything else they’re going through. Some need about $400 a month, and others are paying over $2000 (US dollars) a month. We have been able to support Ukrainian refugees with resources and finances when available to help lighten the load of these costs.
Ukraine’s healthcare system often requires payment to doctors, nurses, dentists, and hospitals. Sometimes people are living with pain or health problems that could be easily dealt with, but they are unable to afford it. This is an opportunity for us to come in and help with physical needs and basic health necessities. Pharmacy items, vitamins, and over the counter medication are purchased by Open Arms and given to those in need, as overseen by a doctor or pharmacist locally.
PRE WAR OUR AREAS OF OUTREACH
In 2015 our team purchased a house in the village of Ivanivka and began building and growing relationships with the residents there. Our house has needed and still needs a lot of work so much of our time is spent like many others in the village – working on our house. We get to hang out with neighbors while hosting movie nights, playing games, and other small events for the kids. All while in the midst of constant upkeep and working to improve our 100-year-old house.
As Ivanivka residents, we are naturally able to serve the people of Ivanivka with a safe place to rest and receive emotional and spiritual support and counsel. People know us by our bright orange fence and will literally just walk up and knock on the orange fence in search of help, a ride, a meal or whatever else they need.
Many villages in Ukraine are full of families barely making it. Poverty, unemployment, hunger, neglect, and alcoholism often run rampant in these homes. Thanks to your support, we are able to support needy families, children, and elderly in Ivanivka. We often help with physical needs, such as clothing, shoes, diapers, blankets, and small household items to help a family get by.
All too often, we have seen kids grow up in the orphanage, graduate and have kids of their own who end up in the same situation they did – back in the orphanage. Our family support and outreach seeks to stop the cycle by helping young families grow and stay afloat. Through financial support and training, parenting skills, babysitting, and more, we encourage young single moms and families that they can give their kids a different life than they knew. Buying diapers and groceries, holding a job, and raising a baby is very overwhelming for an 18-year-old who has never seen an example of good parenting. We seek to help support them as they face the joys and challenges of parenthood, while helping ensure that their kids receive the love and care that they often lacked as they grew up.
This part of our program provides a way to support and grow the local community through holidays and special events. This includes celebrations of holidays, birthdays, personal achievements and more. We have seen the way this can help build community by growing relationships and connections. We especially enjoy watching our birthday boy or girl light up as they get loved on by us and others in the village. Cake, presents and lots of laughter are always a part of every celebration.
Ukraine’s healthcare system often requires payment to doctors, nurses, dentists, and hospitals. Sometimes people are living with pain or health problems that could be easily dealt with, but they are unable to afford it. This is an opportunity for us to come in and help with physical needs and basic health necessities. Pharmacy items, vitamins, and over the counter medication are purchased by Open Arms and given to those in need, as overseen by a doctor or pharmacist locally.