We all look forward to summer in the U.S., but the warmer months mean something darker for the people of Ukraine. Analysts warn that summer will likely bring a resurgence in hostilities from Russia, as evidenced by the recent attack on Mykolaiv. Despite the continued danger, many Ukrainians who evacuated at the start of the invasion are now returning home to begin rebuilding their homes, communities, and lives.
In December, in addition to our ongoing humanitarian aid, Kidsave began providing home repair kits, lumber, and tools to help civilians start over. Over the last five months, our team has helped Ukraine by delivering over 210 tons of construction materials, 16 truckloads of lumber, and 100 rolls of film for waterproofing windows and roofs. We have provided these materials to over 500 households, helping nearly 2,000 people begin to rebuild their homes. Our team has also provided over 5,000 seed kits with seeds for carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbages, pumpkins, corn, onions, and dill, to create full gardens for families and communities.
As families move back into Ukraine, it is critical that the safety of the children—especially those orphaned or deprived of parental care—be kept as a top priority.
In addition to providing building materials and agricultural support to communities in need, we have also begun construction on the Kidsave Miracles Center in western Ukraine. This center will serve as a refuge for orphans and teens aging out of institutional care.
The Ukrainian government has already asked us to make plans to provide safe temporary housing for at least 50 older children who have lost their families or otherwise cannot return home. Our team is working day and night to ensure the Miracles Center is a safe and welcoming place for the children; we are purchasing all the necessities like bunk beds and bedding, hygiene supplies, equipment for the kitchen, and so much more. While the Miracles Center is not a permanent home or any substitute for a loving family, it will provide refuge until the children can be reunited with their families or, for those who have been orphaned, until a loving adoptive family can be found.
Kidsave is deeply committed to Ukraine; we were working there years before this war began, and we will continue to be there years after. So much healing will have to take place even after peace is restored, and Kidsave will be there to help orphans receive the trauma-informed therapy they so desperately need and find loving forever families.
You can learn more about our life-changing work in Ukraine here.
