Acute humanitarian crisis: warmth and energy for Ukraine
Warmth and energy for Ukraine
Our colleagues in Ukraine are sounding the alarm. On the front line around Zaporizhzhia, the situation is critical. As the country endures its harshest winter on record, heating and electricity infrastructure continues to be targeted by attacks.
Millions of people are without heating, electricity or water, with temperatures dropping as low as –20°C. Older people, people with disabilities and families with young children are especially struggling to cope.
Dorcas is already on the ground and able to provide immediate assistance. Together, we can scale up this support and save lives. Specifically, we are providing these people with a warmth and energy kit, consisting of:
- 1 × mini portable gas stove with gas cartridges for 3 months.
- 1 × rechargeable torch.
- 1 × thermal blanket.
- 1 × sleeping bag suitable for extreme cold.
- 1 × power bank.
- 1 × thermos flask.
Donate today and our colleagues will take action immediately.
Four years of full-scale conflict
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the start of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine. Throughout this time, Dorcas has remained committed in supporting those in need.
In Zaporizhzhia, near the frontline, our team continues to respond to urgent needs while adapting to the ever-changing situation. This includes:
- Providing mental health and psychosocial support.
- Repairing damaged homes.
- Making home visits and offering practical assistance.
- Distributing essential items, such as hygiene kits and emergency warmth and energy kits.
The day-to-day reality in Zaporizhzhia
Despite daily shelling and drone attacks, the Dorcas team in Ukraine is providing essential humanitarian support close to the front line. The current freezing temperatures and frequent electricity outages are particularly affecting older people, families with young children, and people with disabilities.
u2018The front line is just 20 kilometres away, and people are facing the harsh reality of daily drone and missile strikesu2019, says Simon Harris, Director of Programmes at Dorcas Ukraine. u2018With temperatures dropping to u221220u00b0C, many families are enduring long periods without heating or electricity. In towns and villages closer to the front line, entire communities now rely solely on solid fuel as power lines have been destroyed.u2019
u2018This winter is far more severe than previous years. The intensified targeting of energy infrastructure is making daily life almost unmanageable. Amidst constant fear and uncertainty, the most pressing challenges faced by people is to stay warm and securing access to energy for basic needs such as cooking and lighting.u2019
u2018For older people, people living with disabilities, and young children, the cold is life-threatening. Daily routines have collapsed: businesses cannot function, students cannot study and essential services fail when the power goes out.u2019
We support communities by providing warmth and energy kits so they can cook, stay warm and keep in touch during these harsh conditions. Our team continues to respond to urgent needs while adapting to the ever-changing situation.
A word from our Country Director
Ferenc Katko, Country Director
During these winter months, as we face freezing temperatures and ongoing blackouts, your solidarity means more than ever. The situation remains extremely difficult, especially in the frontline areas, where families are struggling with damaged homes, limited electricity and constant insecurity.
Despite these challenges, we continue to provide emergency assistance, heating support, repairs and psychosocial support to those most affected. Your actions, prayers, donations and commitment truly make a difference. Because of this support, we are able to reach families in vulnerable situations and help them stay warm, safe and hopeful during these very hard times.
Thank you for standing with Dorcas Ukraine. Your continued support is deeply appreciated.
People face life-threatening conditions
Across large parts of Ukraine, especially in frontline areas near Zaporizhzhia, electricity and heating fail on a structural basis. In the city itself, only 20 kilometres from the front line, power cuts of more than 16 hours a day have become normal.
The electricity goes out often, sometimes for many hours a day. The radiators barely give any warmth, and the old windows let the freezing air in. I cover the gaps with blankets and wear several layers of clothing just to stay warm.
Because of the ongoing attacks, I have had to move five times already. Each time I try to settle, the situation forces me to start again somewhere else. It is exhausting at my age. u201cI have forgotten how to smile. With the current situation, I have no peace in my old age.u201d
Still, I try to hold on. I read books when there is light, and I am grateful for my children who support me whenever they can. But the cold, the darkness and the uncertainty weigh heavily on me. No one should have to face their final years like this.
Bohdan, Security Officer at Dorcas Ukraine, says: u2018There are many damaged houses and apartment buildings that have become uninhabitable due to the shelling. The attacks make it unsafe to go outside. Essential services, such as electricity, frequently fail, often for more than ten hours a day.u2019
He adds: u2018Older people are finding it particularly hard to cope with the icy conditions due to constant insecurity and limited mobility.u2019
u2018Support is urgently needed to ensure the safety and health of those on the front line.u2019
The ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure leave families in freezing homes, struggling to cook, stay warm or stay connected. That is why Dorcas is distributing emergency kits to people in need. Each kit contains essential items to help retain warmth and energy, including a portable gas stove, an insulated blanket, a winter-proof sleeping bag, a rechargeable torch, a mobile power bank and a thermos flask. Everything is designed to be portable, in case people are forced to flee at a momentu2019s notice.
Without electricity and telecom connections, people cannot reach family members or emergency services, and essential needs such as heating and light become inaccessible. Older people living alone or those with limited mobility face acutely life-threatening conditions as temperatures continue to fall.
To support them endure this harsh winter, Dorcas provides warmth and energy kits containing practical items that make an immediate difference. These kits enable people to cook, stay warm and maintain vital communication when it matters most.