February 26, 2022 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Iris Argueta, ADRA International
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is scaling-up operations to deploy humanitarian assistance for children and families displaced by the war in Ukraine. The relief agency has launched a fundraising campaign to strengthen programs for refugees from Ukraine and other global communities.
According to the United Nations, about 100,000 Ukrainians have been forced to flee from their homes. More than 5 million people are expected to seek refuge in other countries, including the U.S.
“ADRA calls for peace and the protection of the millions of people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. Join us in prayer for the safety and wellbeing of tens of thousands of children and families who are in harm’s way, are and will be displaced,” says Michael Kruger, ADRA president. “We are taking measures to ensure the protection of our staff on the ground and working with trusted partners and the Adventist Church to ensure our humanitarian aid can quickly reach those in need.”
“ADRA is closely monitoring the situation on the ground. There are refugees on the move inside of Ukraine leaving the cities under attack. Many have already crossed the border into Poland or are now making their way to Slovakia, Hungary, and nearby countries,” says Mario Oliveira, ADRA director for emergency management. “Adventist Church volunteers from those regions are helping us to distribute food, water, hygiene supplies. In Romania, we are already providing shelter to refugees in youth centers and church buildings and expect to accommodate hundreds of families.”
ADRA will also supply welcome packages with clothes, basic needs, and cash vouchers since banks in Ukraine have suspended operations. ADRA plans to provide long-term psychological counseling support and other health care services to the vulnerable population residing in isolated settlements.
To learn more about ADRA’s response or make donations to assist with relief efforts in Ukraine and around the world, visit ADRA.org.