The war in Ukraine has destroyed neighborhoods and disrupted every part of life for Ukrainians. 25% of the population have left their homes behind. 5 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries, with 3 million entering Poland. Alight’s response team is meeting displaced Ukrainians at critical moments on their journey to help them process, re-orient, connect, and navigate their new reality. They’re holding on to hope for peace. We've supported more than 100,000 people already. And, we'll be there with more support until Ukrainians can return to their lives.

DOING THE DOABLE

While we work on solutions to the big problems in this crisis, we're diving in and doing what can be done. Right away.

In Poland

Families have journeyed for hours by the time they reach Poland, many walking and waiting through the cold. Alight has been providing blankets, hats, socks and mittens to warm them while they wait and wheelchairs to help those who need extra support. Once they do arrive, we’re providing beds, cots and a heated tent where they can rest and recharge while we help them into short-term accommodations. We’re also providing protection support, to prevent gender violence or exploitation in what can be a chaotic environment.

GUIDING FAMILIES TO SAFETY

Through 40 years working with displaced people, we know emergencies are chaotic. Becoming a refugee means navigating a new, complex, and evolving world of options. A lack of information or disinformation can be life-threatening. So, it’s important Alight is there to help new arrivals gain access to safe and trustworthy resources.

HOUSING GUIDES

Alight Housing Guides are meeting new arrivals where they are: at the border, train stations, and by text/social media. Ukrainians themselves, the Housing Guides are friendly, trustworthy, and communicative. They put the new arrival and their needs front and center. They work to connect people to safe, quality housing resources and can book free accommodations directly. And they refer new arrivals to other trusted resources and support. Through our partnership with Airbnb, we've already booked families into 2,500 nights of safe, secure housing - and it's just the beginning.

DIGITAL GUIDE

We are currently creating a digital resource guide and wayfinding map accessible by Ukrainians anywhere in Europe. The guide includes information on legal support, education, housing, healthcare, and other essential contacts.

AID2ART

Without income, families have no way to pay for the things they need. It's one of the biggest concerns people have. Alight is working with Ukrainian artists and designers to ensure their families have food, shelter and the services they need by providing a $1,000 cash transfer. And those artists are creating and donating works of art Alight can auction to further support those creators AND Alight's ongoing relief efforts. Stay tuned, art will be available for purchase soon!

CREATING SAFE HAVENS

We're creating safe spaces and connecting Ukrainians to critical services.

FAMILY FRIENDLY SPACES

The Alight team is currently working to establish family-friendly spaces co-developed by designers, artists, child psychologists, and protection advisers. On their long journey through Ukraine and into Poland many children have been unable to play, read, or feel safe – essential parts of childhood. With toys, games and books we aim to and spark joy for each young person. And while children enjoy a moment of respite, their family can access information or receive assistance.

LONGER TERM HOUSING

Even as our housing guides book families into temporary accommodations, we recognize a longer-term solution will be needed if this war continues. We’re working to understand the need and what resources are available to help create a more durable solution, including coordinating with host communities and municipalities where housing and jobs are more available.

HOUSING FOR LGBTQI+ REFUGEES

As in every crisis, Alight also seeks to assist the most marginalized groups within displaced populations. Alight is working with ORAM - Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration to specifically support the short-term housing needs of LGBTQI+ refugees from the Ukraine crisis. We are also interested in setting up a community center to provide this group with a safe space to gather and support one another.

THE DOABLE, DONE

These are just a few of the quick impact projects we have completed and delivered:

• Several truckloads of lifesaving medicines and supplies to hospitals in Kyiv and Sumy
• Critical food (25 tons) and relief items to displaced people in Lviv and Kharkiv
• Thousands of blankets, hats, and gloves to Ukrainians waiting in the cold at the border
• Heated tents with beds and cots where new arrivals nap and recharge
• Wheelchairs and rolling suitcases for people who need a little extra help crossing
• Food and meds, like antibiotics and anti-epileptics, to an orphanage of 600 children in Lviv