March 4, 2022 Alexandria, VA – United Way Worldwide today announced that it has established a relief fund in response to the urgent and growing humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine.
The United Way Worldwide United for Ukraine Fund will provide immediate assistance in the form of transportation, shelter, food and medicine, critical childcare supplies such as infant formula.
“There is no doubt that this situation is fluid and changing by the hour. And though the needs are great and will likely only grow and change over time, we will be there to support those in crisis,” said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide. “United Way stands ready to mobilize the caring power of our global community to help ease the suffering of those whose lives have been upended, and whose future is uncertain.”
In less than a week, more than a million people have fled Ukraine, and that number is expected to grow to 4 million before the conflict is over. The immediate neighboring countries, Poland, Romania and Hungary, are expected to see the biggest influx of displaced persons.
As people migrate to safety across Europe, United Way’s trusted partners on the ground, United Way Romania, United Way Hungary and Fundacja Dobrych Inicjatyw (Good Initiatives Foundation) in Poland, are working with local partners to determine the needs on the ground and to address the immediate and longer-term relief needed for those made vulnerable by the fighting.
Those who would like to contribute to the United for Ukraine Fund may donate here:
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About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 1.5 million volunteers, 6.8 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited.
Media Contact
Southerlyn Reisig, United Way Worldwide Director of External Relations (703) 836-7882