CARE began the emergency assistance in Ukraine in March 2022.
Over the past two years, CARE has reached more than 1.2 million people who need survival assistance through its activities. Initially focusing on housing and basic needs for internally displaced persons, CARE has expanded its efforts to include mental health support, gender-based violence, conflict-related violence, housing reconstruction, and leadership development for women in emergencies. We are also working to rehabilitate water supply networks in frontline areas.

"My life is a lottery."
CARE is particularly concerned about the more than 3.3 million people living near the front lines, including 800,000 children.

Those on the front lines say their lives have become a lottery. Residents only go out for short distances for essential activities such as fetching water, supporting elderly relatives, or buying medicine and bread," says Fabrice Martin, director of the CARE Ukraine office.

"When I go out, I may be attacked, or I may step on a landmine. I don't know if my home will still stand when I return. This situation is the harsh reality for millions of Ukrainians today."

CARE is also reaching people in the war-torn eastern and southern regions of the country

In the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, more than 3 million people endure daily the harrowing reality of shelling and scarcity. Deprived of basic amenities, many are confined to cold, dark basements and face the constant threat of violence and displacement.

Damage to civilian infrastructure has been particularly devastating, with 1,523 medical facilities, 1,600 schools, and nearly 400 bridges reduced to rubble. Vital lifelines such as electricity and water supply have also been devastated, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. This destruction has left almost 720,000 people without adequate and safe housing in the hardest-hit areas of Ukraine.

Over the past two years, nearly 4 million people have been internally displaced by the conflict. According to the UN Humanitarian Response Plan, 14.6 million people, or about 40% of Ukraine's population, will require humanitarian assistance in 2024.

Olga's story

In Sviatohirsk, a CARE partner has set up several water tanks to supply the residents with clean drinking water and water for showering, cleaning, and cooking. Also, with the support of CARE, a laundry was set up, the only place in Sviatohirsk where laundry washing is possible. 

Olga, 55, does not have a private water well in her garden, so she must leave the house to gather water for her family daily.

"Every morning, I get up at 8 a.m. to carry 150 liters of water to my house with buckets because that's what my family needs daily to cook, clean, shower, or drink," explains Olga.

Focus on "women and girls" who are particularly vulnerable

The effects of the conflict have been particularly devastating to women and girls. As families are displaced, childcare facilities are in short supply, schools are closed, and social services are degraded, these women are increasingly burdened with unpaid caring responsibilities, especially for their children and elderly relatives.

To prevent sexual exploitation of women, girls, and other vulnerable groups and to alleviate trauma, CARE will continue to be there for the Ukrainian people and provide support, including psychological care.