Here's how Sacramento relief agencies say you can help people fleeing Ukraine
Supporters of Ukraine outside the CA State Capitol
Ukrainian refugees have not begun arriving in Sacramento, and it’s unclear if they will. But you can still help people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Resettlement agencies say that direct donations are the most helpful. Situations on the ground in Europe change day to day and they can react quickly with their local partners to adjust to specific needs.
“The International Rescue Committee in Sacramento has resettled more than 1100 refugees from Ukraine since 2001. Currently, the Biden Administration has designated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the U.S. and the IRC is awaiting news on Ukrainian resettlement to the area,” said Lisa Welze, executive director of the IRC Sacramento. “The IRC Welcome Center in Sacramento is available to assist Ukrainian refugees, regardless of legal status. You can support the IRC’s overseas work in Poland and Ukraine by Donating Now.”
World Relief reports that Poland has been the primary recipient of refugees from Ukraine, accepting 1.8 million Ukrainians as of March 16. Other countries include Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia and Romania. World Relief is also offering financial support for efforts on the ground in Europe and is asking for people to advocate to the Biden administration to provide more humanitarian funding to support local organizations working with displaced and vulnerable populations.
While there is no immediate need for Ukrainian resettlement, the Sacramento area has more immigrants from Ukraine than any other metropolitan area of California. Approximately 20,000 Ukrainian immigrants live in the greater Sacramento region according to Census data compiled by the Public Policy Institute of California. Our community has the potential to serve as a focus area if there is a new wave of refugees that desire to leave the European continent.
Below are links to the resettlement agencies with offices in the Sacramento area.
International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC)
IRC is currently most active in Poland helping on the ground supporting displaced families and children that are fleeing Ukraine.
Lao Family Community Development
Opening Doors, Inc.
World Relief Sacramento
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services
