Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many families have faced severe vulnerability, struggling with financial instability and limited access to services and crucial goods.
Tetyana, a mother of four from the Kharkiv region, endured the hardships of occupation with her children and continues to live in a severely conflict-affected area, frequently targeted by hostilities. She received multipurpose cash assistance from Acted to help meet her family’s essential needs.
Supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, Acted and its local partners, Peaceful Heaven of Kharkiv, Perspektiva, Unity and Strength, and Southern Development Strategy are currently providing coordinated and integrated critical humanitarian assistance to address the multisectoral needs of 24,104 individuals in conflict-affected regions, including Kharkiv Oblast, where Tetyana lives.
Helping a War-Affected Family Meet Essential Needs with Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance
Acted staff member and beneficiary during the registration process for multi-purpose cash assistance (25th September 2024, Shevchenkove, Kharkiv region)
Before the invasion, Tetyana* was away from her children. When the war started Tetyana’s three kids were visiting relatives in another community in the Kharkiv region which is about three hours by car from their home. She then decided to reunite with her children in Shevchenkove and endured the hardships of life under occupation.
I was at home with my younger son, while my older kids were visiting relatives in Shevchenkove. Can you imagine my shock when I realized that this part of our region was invaded and my children at risk?
Beneficiary Tetyana after registration for multi-purpose cash assistance (25th September 2024, Shevchenkove, Kharkiv region)
For a month, I couldn’t reunite with children because of transport shortages and the constant clashes. Shevchenkove was quickly occupied, and by the time I finally arrived, it was already under control. But I had to go, as my children were there. Once I made it, we decided not to leave because of the risks, so I stayed with my four children through the entire six-month occupation, and we’re still here now.
She highlighted how vital multipurpose cash assistance is for her family, particularly in addressing her children’s needs:
This cash assistance will go towards clothes and shoes for my kids.
Through this project, Acted is supporting 2,646 conflict-affected individuals with multipurpose cash assistance to help them meet their essential needs. The intervention also provides individuals with shelter assistance, hygiene kits, access to water, mental health and psychosocial support, as well as legal protection services.
*The name of the beneficiary has been changed to protect her identity.
