Brethren Disaster Ministries distributes first round of grant money for Ukraine crisis

By Sharon Billings Franzén

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a massive displacement of people both inside Ukraine and across the borders into neighboring countries. As of March 11, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that more than 1.85 million are displaced within the country, with an additional 12.65 million directly affected by the conflict. It reports that more than 2.5 million refugees have crossed Ukraine’s land borders. That number is increasing daily with an estimate that up to 4 million will eventually flee the country.

Responding to this crisis will be a massive, multi-year effort. Brethren Disaster Ministries is working with partners to determine the best avenues of support, including immediate assistance as well as a longer-term response.

An initial Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) grant of $10,000 has been given to CORUS International–an organization that includes long-time partners IMA World Health and Lutheran World Relief–to provide assistance to refugees and send assistance to Ukraine through partners already on the ground. Additional partners are likely to include organizations such as Church World Service, ACT Alliance, and European Baptist relief agencies.