Press Release : Acted and ERC provided essential cash assistance to affected population in Ukraine, as part of a one-year project supported by the EU

According to the UNHCR, more than 17 million people in Ukraine are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, most particularly those residing in hard-to-reach areas – areas that are not yet accessible or that just suffered strikes. With cash assistance, people have the flexibility to prioritise and address their specific needs, whether it is to get food or medicine.

Acted has implemented cash programs in Ukraine since 2015. Presently, this modality is the most efficient way to operate in a volatile context and respond effectively to difficult periods, such as the harsh winter season during which the electrical infrastructure was massively targeted. During winter, Acted’s cash assistance was tailored into “cash for heating”. From May 2022 to February 2023, Acted was able to reach 14,942 people, primarily in rural areas, ensuring they had the means to purchase essential heating resources such as solid fuel, firewood, or cover their gas bills.

Given the ever-changing context in Ukraine, Acted established an emergency cash assistance mechanism to reach those most in need. This modality of cash assistance has proven especially valuable following a strike, as Acted is able to deliver cash assistance to those affected within a few hours.

As of February 23rd 2023, Acted and ERC provided cash for heating support to 7,992 households (18,848 individuals) in Chernihivska, Donetska, Ivano-Frankivska, Kharkivska, Khersonska, Kyivska, Luhanska, Lvivska, Mykolaivska, Odeska, Sumska and Zaporiska. With the support of the European Union, at the end of the project Acted and ERC would have reached a total of 225,583 people throughout Ukraine.