Cash from the Emergency Appeal is vital support for frontline areas
When war knocks on your door, any plans and dreams are packed into an emergency bag along with essential items, and uncertainty and insecurity about the future become constant reminders. In addition to the constant threat to people's lives and health, financial and material difficulties arise. In such moments, financial aid under the Emergency Appeal project from Caritas Internationalis helps to support those in vulnerable situations, maintain human dignity, and inspire change and growth in the future.
"Because of the war, I lost everything. I left Toretsk in such a rush that I didn’t take anything with me—the situation in the city was so dire that I barely managed to get out. The help from Caritas-Spes came just in time; words can hardly describe how much it meant. Thanks to this financial assistance, I was able to rent a place in Kremenchuk, buy food, clothes, and essential items. Like I said, I left with only the most important things. Very timely, you see, it allowed me to get settled initially, to know what next steps to take. It helped me get back on my feet," said Viktor from Toretsk.
In June and July 2024, financial assistance was provided to 313 people from the front-line areas of Bilozerska, Kharkiv, Kamianske, and Sloviansk communities. The aid was distributed in towns and villages within 40 kilometers of the front line. We collected data from local authorities, who also assisted with the registration of beneficiaries and informed people about the aid. Caritas-Spes staff and volunteers ensured that there were safe and comfortable places where people could meet them and register to receive help.
"The war took away my parents' house, and we were left almost on the street. It’s very hard when you work your whole life for something, investing money and effort, and then in one moment, you’re left with nothing, almost on the street. My husband and I are now living in a camp provided by his work, and we are thankful for the shelter. But it's practically in the forest, so it's difficult for us to reach infrastructure, to get to stores. Even to solve any issues with documents, we have to hire a car and go to the city, and that costs money. So, we are very grateful to Caritas-Spes for the financial assistance; now we use it for the medicine in the pharmacy, for food, we buy some clothes, and pay for transportation," said Zinaida from Kamianske.
Among those who received financial assistance were the elderly and people with disabilities, so Caritas-Spes tried to ensure the most comfortable conditions for registering for aid to accommodate them. People in front-line areas hold on to hope for Ukraine’s victory over the invader and keep the flame of life alive in towns and villages where the sounds of shelling have become as familiar as birdsong or the noise of the city.
"After the war started back in 2014, my life turned 360 degrees. In Sloviansk now, it's basically possible to buy food and essential items, but it's very difficult, especially with a small pension. The war took away my home, so now I live with kind people. Thanks to the financial help from Caritas-Spes, I'll be able to address my problems and unresolved issues, so this was an important support for me," said Natalia from Sloviansk.
War doesn't ask whether you're an elderly person, a person with a disability, or a pregnant woman; it, like a natural disaster, destroys everything in its path. So, if you wish to help those affected by the war or those who face danger daily while living in front-line areas, you can support the Emergency Appeal project. Your assistance is crucial for meeting the basic needs of vulnerable categories of Ukrainians.
