Report on the Work of Humanitarian Hubs "People of the Bridge" for April-August 2024
This report covers the period from April to August 2024 and details the ministry to refugees, internally displaced persons, people in need, and the military through a network of humanitarian hubs, "People of the Bridge." The data reflects both immediate assistance and long-term support to those affected by Russian aggression.
These humanitarian hubs and projects operate based on Ukrainian theological seminaries, local churches, and partner organizations (see the list below) in cooperation with Mesa Global and Scholar Leaders.
During this period, 437 volunteers were actively involved in various aspects of humanitarian assistance, which is a slight decrease compared to the previous report for January–March 2024. Between April and August, 379 people were evacuated (who were unable to leave on their own), bringing the total to 11,556 since the start of the full-scale war in 2022. The significant decrease in evacuations compared to previous periods reflects a shift in focus from mass evacuations to more targeted assistance, especially for people with disabilities.
2,005 people received long-term accommodation (from 2-3 weeks to a year or longer) at the hubs, bringing the total to 9,183 since 2022. This increase indicates a continued need for long-term support for displaced persons. In addition, during this reporting period, 6,994 people received short-term accommodation (from 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks) out of 46,467 displaced people since 2022. These figures demonstrate the ongoing displacement and movement of people within Ukraine from the northern, southern, and eastern frontlines, especially from Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Special attention was given to helping people with disabilities: 3,390 people (out of 5,041 people since June 2023) received various types of assistance. This number underscores the importance of focusing more on vulnerable groups during a full-scale war. Also, 41,445 food parcels and packages were distributed. In total, 595,028 sets were distributed during the 900 days of war. This consistently high number emphasizes the ongoing basic needs of war-affected people.
A total of 300 tons of aid was delivered to the frontline areas, bringing the total to 5,982 tons since 2022. Although this amount is lower than in some previous reporting periods, local churches and people in high-risk areas still need help. Spiritual support has also been an important aspect of the work, with 73,310 Bible books distributed (people only took them if they wanted to), bringing the total to 1,049,881 since November 2022. This reflects the ongoing need for spiritual support alongside material assistance.
15,591 people have received counseling and first psychological aid, out of a total of 71,690 people since November 2022. In cases involving severe psychological and emotional trauma, people are provided with professional help from experienced pastors, psychologists and psychotherapists. The high number of requests for psychological help during this period demonstrates the growing attention to long-term mental health and spiritual well-being.
241 people have joined local evangelical churches, bringing the total to 3,877 since June 2023. This figure underscores the holistic approach of the seminary hubs, which not only provide material and psychological assistance but also offer spiritual support and opportunities for people to find community and purpose in the body of Christ, potentially transforming their traumatic experience into a journey of faith.
Humanitarian hubs that have been operating as the “People of the Bridge” network since February 26, 2022:
Information about the ministry in the period from September to November 2024 will be provided in December.
You can support the ministry of hubs here. Ukraine Refugees Assistance.
Taras Dyatlik. Ukraine. On behalf of the Coordination Group.
