By now you’ve probably heard about the situation in Ukraine. The current presidents of both the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University have released statements in support of Ukraine. With things escalating and Ukrainians seeking refuge in other countries, many are asking what their own community is doing to help. Below is a rundown of agencies and programs that are currently offering a variety of aid to Ukrainians in Washtenaw County and abroad.
- JFS is Washtenaw County’s only resettlement agency and works diligently to ease transition by connecting refugees, immigrants, and individuals with other immigration statuses with resources. While the USA hasn’t committed to accepting Ukrainian refugees, but JFS is preparing in case this changes.
- Their refugee resettlement program is in need of donations to meet current program demands. Click here to view their wish list.
Ukrainian Cultural Center (Warren, MI)
- Accepting a variety of donations. Visit their Facebook page for the most up to date information about what donations they’re accepting.
- Their Facebook page is also a great resource for finding other locations in Metro Detroit that are accepting supplies or monetary donations.
Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee of Michigan (Based in Metro Detroit)
- A grassroots, informal Michigan association of organizations and Ukrainian-American individuals, in order to respond to the escalating crisis facing Ukraine.
- Hold marches and supply drives to aid Ukrainians still in the country.
- Share information and resources on their Facebook page.
How you can help
- Eat at restaurants donating proceeds to aid Ukrainians:
- Cinnaholic (121 E. Liberty)- offering a special Ukraine roll for purchase. 100% of the profits will go do a relief organization (still to be decided).
- Le Bon Macaron (209 S. Fourth Ave)- offering a blue and yellow cake batter macaroon (not only the colors of UM, but also the Ukrainian flag!). They’re very close to their goal of raising $10,000 for Ukraine.
- Zingerman’s Bakehouse (3711 Plaza Drive)- Zingerman’s is participating in Hamantaschen for Ukraine. $1 from each order of Hamantaschen (a pastry used in the Jewish celebration of Purim which begins on March 16) will be donated to Polish Humanitarian Action. Click here for a full list of bakeries participating in Hamantaschen for Ukraine.
- Donate to agencies supporting Ukrainians
- Can’t afford a financial donation? Many agencies are collecting supply donations.
- Volunteer
- Ukrainian-American Crisis Response Committee of MI has volunteer opportunities on their website.
Avoiding Scams when donating
- Scammers love when there’s a situation that leads to an increase in people donating money.
- ClickonDetroit has a great article on ways to avoid scams when sending donations.
- You can find more tips on avoiding scams from the Michigan Attorney General’s office website here.
Finally, don’t neglect your mental health!
- It can be tempting to stay glued to your phone/computer and “doom scroll,” but that’s not the healthiest thing to do.
- U of M released a blog post with tips for protecting your mental health during this stressful time and developing positive coping skills.
