April 20, 2022
News
Ivano-Frankivsk has become a temporary home for at least 150,000 people fleeing the war. The local Archbishopric is also providing them with a roof over their heads and basic needs. We are helping too. A few days after the delivery of 20 tons of humanitarian aid, a letter arrived from Ivano-Frankivsk. "Danken wir ganz herzlich (thank you very much)," writes Volodymyr Vijtyshyn, explaining how the delivery will help the 1,600 refugees the archbishopric is taking care of.
Taking care of 1600 refugees is a big responsibility
Millions of people fleeing the war from the eastern parts of the country are heading to the west of Ukraine. Ivano-Frankivsk and its surroundings alone have already received more than 150,000 refugees. The local Archdiocese is mobilising its capacity to provide accommodation and basic needs for 1600 of them. Meanwhile, the city itself has been hit several times by Russian missiles. "But taking these people in is not just about providing aid, it is also about taking on a great responsibility," says local Archbishop Volodymyr Vijtyshyn. "Many people who have made the more than 1,000-kilometre journey to western Ukraine have suffered heavy blows of fate. Such stressful situations cause health problems especially for the elderly, but also for children and women. That is why we offer them free treatment at our St. Luke's clinic," he says.
The war affects everyone
Many of those who had to flee lost all their possessions. They are looking not only for a safe haven but also for a way to provide for themselves and their families. For now, they are grateful to be able to use the local social housing and to have basic food and hygiene supplies. There is a great demand for these items. Caritas Czech Republic has responded by sending 20 tonnes of material humanitarian aid to Ivano-Frankivsk, including food, hygiene supplies and medical material. "We want to thank you very much for the aid you have sent, which will enable us to continue to help the people affected by the war in our country," the Archbishop writes in his letter of thanks.
The war also affects those who do not live next to the frontline. The ongoing fighting also means high prices and shortages of goods, which cause existential difficulties for people from the lower class. Therefore, the aid is intended for them.
Unprecedented solidarity
"In these dark times for Ukraine, we feel the great unity and solidarity of our nation. These days people stand together as never before," explains the Archbishop. "Everyone is doing everything they can - soldiers are fighting bravely, the government is making huge efforts to ensure stability even in times of war, businessmen are continuing their activities to ensure the economy is stabilized, volunteers are helping where needed, thousands of Ukrainian men have returned from abroad to defend their country."
The West of Ukraine is not only taking care of millions of refugees but the aid is also being distributed to cities in the east. Thus, from Ivano-Frankivsk, material supplies have recently travelled to Kharkiv, Sumy and Avdiivka. More than 100 tonnes of food and other basic needs have been sent to the Donbas region.
The need for humanitarian aid in Ukraine continues. Consider donating to our financial appeal to help people affected by the war. Donate to Caritas for Ukraine.
Interested in more articles like this? Read more:
- Iryna left Kiev with her family. But they are staying in the country and want to help
- 5 ways Caritas Czech Republic is helping people affected by the war in Ukraine
- Refugees will not be able to return home for months or years, says Evžen Diviš
