Dorcas Ukraine and the UHF provide vital winter assistance in Zaporizhya

Between October and December, the Dorcas team, with the support of the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF), provided cash assistance for winter fuel to 4,258 households in the Zaporizhya region. This initiative has become an essential support for people in need, who have found themselves in a complicated situation due to the conflict and economic crisis. Over the past year, the problem has been exacerbated by continuing attacks on energy infrastructure.  

In addition, declining support from several funds has led to a significant increase in the number of internally displaced people at risk. IDPs are also often housed in privately rented or substandard housing, which, like most housing in Ukraine, may lack adequate insulation. Returnees and non-displaced persons also face similar insulation challenges in their homes, and the situation is exacerbated by conflict-related damages such as leaking roofs, broken windows and damaged perimeter walls that compromise the thermal integrity of the houses.   

As a result, heating their homes for at least three months has become an unbearable financial burden for people with disabilities, older people, large families and single parents. The amount of assistance was around 505 euros per household. The funds enabled families to buy firewood and briquettes to keep their homes warm during the cold months.  

This underscores the importance of international support in continuing to support Ukrainians who are enduring and struggling to survive in the midst of the conflict. 

17 February 2025