Act Now for Ukraine

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REFUGEE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

On February 24, 2022, Russia began a military invasion of Ukraine, sparking the fastest growing refugee and humanitarian crisis within Europe since World War II. Around 6 million Ukrainians have fled their homes.

On March 24, the White House announced that the US will welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing the armed conflict. On April 21, President Biden announced “Uniting for Ukraine” – a program allowing people forced to flee Ukraine to seek safe haven in the US, but only with support from a US sponsor. The federal government will vet and approve the applications of sponsors and Ukrainians seeking humanitarian parole. Learn more at Welcome.US.

International Institute of Los Angeles is working under the guidance of the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security to provide arriving Ukrainians with services and benefits. View our Resources for Ukrainians.

Refugee Crisis In Ukraine
Refugees fleeing war in neighboring Ukraine gather at the Medyka border crossing, Poland, March 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

Designate your gift to the Ukrainian Fund to
support arriving Ukrainians’ most urgent needs.

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VOLUNTEER

TO SUPPORT UKRAINIANS

Volunteer To Support Ukrainians At IILA
A member of the Ukrainian security forces hands over a girl to a man as civilians wait to board a train while fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Odessa, March 9, 2022. REUTERS/Alexandros Avramidis

VOLUNTEER WITH IILA

IILA is actively working with our partners at the federal level and the State Department to receive, resettle, and service Ukrainian nationals in Southern California.

There are a variety of ways you can help Ukrainian refugees:

  • Accompany Ukrainians to government offices to apply for benefits
  • Provide short-term housing for a Ukrainian individual or family
  • Help IILA identify long-term housing (one or two bedroom affordable apartments)
  • Donate money (and designate your gift to the Ukrainian Fund) to help Ukrainian refugees with living expenses and resettlement costs (rent, deposit, furnishings, food and other necessities.  (Unfortunately we cannot accept donations of furniture, household items or clothing at this time).


For more information, please contact Marisa Moonilal, Community Relations Manager, at: (818) 660-0403 or at mmoonilal@iilosangeles.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF IILA

On April 21, 2022, President Biden announced that 100,000 people forced to flee Ukraine can seek safe haven in the US under a government program known as “Uniting for Ukraine” – but only with support from a US citizen, permanent resident or other legally-residing individual serving as a sponsor. The federal government will vet and approve the applications of both sponsors and Ukrainians seeking humanitarian parole.

To learn more about becoming a sponsor, visit Ukraine.Welcome.US.

Other opportunities to volunteer to support Ukrainians in the community:

  • Airbnb.org: Provide temporary emergency stays to people fleeing Ukraine.

 

If you are an organization directly aiding Ukrainians, please contact mmoonilal@iilosangeles.org to be listed here.

GIVE TODAY

TO SUPPORT CRITICAL SERVICES FOR UKRAINIANS

Give Today To Support Critical Services At IILA
Children look out from an evacuation train from Kyiv to Lviv as they say goodbye to their father at Kyiv central train station in Ukraine, March 3, 2022. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

MAKE A GIFT TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN FAMILIES

Donate today to support critical services for those fleeing the armed conflict in Ukraine. Your gift will directly address Ukrainian families’ most urgent needs and equips our staff to help refugees feel safe, adjust to a new environment, support their families, and gain the skills to eventually become self-sufficient and participate in their new communities.

Your gift of any amount will support:

  • Resettlement costs, including initial meals, transportation, housing, and other set-up expenses
  • Basic necessities, including rental assistance, bus vouchers, phones, laptops, and school materials
  • Health services, including physical and mental health screenings
  • Social services, including language programs, job training and search, and child care

 

Designate your gift to the Ukrainian Fund to provide operational support, resettlement services, and direct aid for Ukrainians. Make a secure online donation to support refugees here.

International Institute of Los Angeles is a proud member of the Welcome.US Coalition.