The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is scaling-up operations to deploy humanitarian assistance for children and families displaced by the war in Ukraine. The relief agency has launched a fundraising campaign to strengthen programs for refugees from Ukraine and other global communities.

According to the United Nations, about 100,000 Ukrainians have been forced to flee from their homes. More than five million people are expected to seek refuge in other countries, including the U.S.

“The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) calls for peace and the protection of the millions of people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. Join us in prayer for the safety and wellbeing of tens of thousands of children and families who are in harm’s way, are and will be displaced,” said Michael Kruger, ADRA president, in an official statement. “We are taking measures to ensure the protection of our staff on the ground and working with trusted partners and the Adventist Church to ensure our humanitarian aid can quickly reach those in need.”

“ADRA is closely monitoring the situation on the ground. There are refugees on the move inside of Ukraine leaving the cities under attack. Many have already crossed the border into Poland or are now making their way to Slovakia, Hungary, and nearby countries,” says Mario Oliveira, ADRA director for emergency management.

“Adventist church volunteers from those regions are helping us to distribute food, water, hygiene supplies. In Romania, we are already providing shelter to refugees in youth centers and church buildings and expect to accommodate hundreds of families,” Oliveira added.

ADRA will also supply welcome packages with clothes, basic needs, and cash vouchers since banks in Ukraine have suspended operations. ADRA plans to provide long-term psychological counseling support and other health care services to the vulnerable population residing in isolated settlements.

In this context, the "Hope for Ukraine" project, coordinated by ADRA Romania, will help those affected by the war. Immediate needs will be met by providing information, food, drinking water, clothing, shelter, social assistance, and counseling.

Additionally, ADRA Poland, ADRA Hungary, and ADRA Romania, along with churches and church members, are preparing support for Ukrainian refugees as they continue to their way across the Ukrainian border to safety.

At the NAD headquarters on March 2, Randy Robinson, North American Division Treasurer, echoed the sentiments of Kruger and Adventist World Church president Ted. N.C. Wilson, calling the division’s membership to prayer. Robinson also announced that the division authorized a “Ukraine” offering button in AdventistGiving. The button is under the “World” offering tab after first clicking on donate and selecting your local church. The offering category is a clickable field under “More Offering Categories.”

“This offering is designated specifically for humanitarian aid in Ukraine and the surrounding area due to the war. We must pray for our brothers and sisters in turmoil. And we must help in the ways we are able,” said Robinson.

— ADRA International, with additional reporting from the NAD Office of Communication