You’ve probably seen the heartbreaking images of neighborhoods destroyed and families fleeing Ukraine.
It’s estimated that four million people have fled their homes. Many are homeless and left with nothing.
KPRC 2 has received emails from a lot of you, wanting to know how you can help and we’ve found one way you can.
One group of Houstonians is making a real impact on the lives of Ukrainian refugees. KPRC2 had the chance to speak with them just as they returned from a trip to the area.
“They just spoke of bombs, just you know, the sound and how loud it was. And just fleeing with their children,” said Diana Bass, with HOPE.
“The faces in many cases were just blank. They were shell-shocked from the journey from Ukraine to the Romanian border,” Dr. Dearing Garner, HOPE and Project Ruth.
Bass and Dr. Garner run the non-profit “HOPE” or Helping Oppressed People Everywhere. HOPE helps connect and fund other non-profits.
For 15+ years they’ve worked in Romania and Ukraine, providing boots to orphans. The HOPE team is very familiar with the area and the people.
“I have been Kyiv, I’ve been on the subways, I’ve eaten at their homes at the at their tables. We’ve been to the orphanages. We’ve seen the faces of these kids and who knows where those kids are today,” said Dr. Dearing.
Schoolhouse turned into refugee center in just days, thanks to donations from Houstonians
Because of the longstanding relationships in the area, when a partner non-profit called, the team was able to act fast. The idea: turn a schoolhouse in Romania into a shelter for Ukrainian refugees.
“They had this building already. They have a kitchen, full kitchen in the building. There’s a cafeteria space, there are rooms with dorm-style beds, there are showers, there’s a washer and dryer. And so, they had sort of the basics of what they needed. And what they needed then was the funding to be able to do this,” explains Bass. “We said immediately, ‘Yes’”.
In just days, refugees were already being helped at the Project Ruth center.
“Some of them arrive with literally what’s on their back. And so, they need someone to go and buy necessities for them. And often it’s women with several children,” said Bass.
They are able to rest in a soft bed, wash their clothes, have a hot meal, and just be with someone who cares.
“There were times when, you know, they were telling their story. And they just dissolved into sobbing,” said Bass.
Volunteers also help with often confusing paperwork and provide trips to the Ukrainian embassy.
“Sometimes when the person comes to the refugee center, they have no idea what their next step is. Other times, they know they have a destination in mind, they just need to get their documents in order in order to make that happen. So, the social workers at Project Ruth are just working constantly with the translators to help them get that taken care of. They also provide transportation to and from the embassies, as many days as it takes for them to wait through the line and get their documents sorted,” said Bass.
“We need to be there for them and fill in the gaps,” added Dr. Dearing.
“The stories were at the same time horrifying, but also you’ve got to see a little bit of how a crisis can often juxtapose the worst of humanity with the best of humanity,” Bass explained.
The HOPE team hopes to be able to help keep the Project Ruth center going for as long as it is needed.
“When I see what I saw last week, when I look in the face of somebody and there’s just a blank stare, and I know that I can do something about that,” said Dr. Dearing.
How you can help Ukrainian Refugees
One hundred percent of the money raised by HOPE for Project Ruth goes directly to help Ukrainian Refugees.
“We’re on the other side of the world from the crisis itself. So there’s a feeling of helplessness, right?” asked Bass. “We want to give people an opportunity to help and to feel like they can make a difference.”
Since the start of this project on March first, they’ve been able to help 378 people with more coming in daily.
Bass said the easiest way to donate is to use the PayPal link set up by HOPE for Project Ruth. She’s able to move the money straight to them in just a day or so. You’ll see from the link that donations run through the HOPE organization. Bass explains that you don’t need to label it because all donations coming into HOPE right now are for Project Ruth.
There’s also a QR code you can use to easily access the donation link.
Dr. Garner said even the smallest gift can help, and often that’s the most meaningful one.
“I’m always encouraged by the small gift because it’s that person that has a real heart. They’re not giving out of abundance, they’re giving out of what they believe is what they can do because someone else needs. In fact, it becomes a sacrifice to them. So, if it’s a small gift from $10, to $25 to $50, whatever the amount of gift is, we welcome those gifts.”
You can see updates on the center on the Project Ruth Facebook page.