Crisis in Ukraine

YMCAs across the United States are in solidarity with the young people, families, and communities affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine—the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. In 2026, an estimated 3.7 million people are internally displaced and 10.8 million people inside Ukraine need humanitarian assistance (USA for UNHCR).

Through the YMCA of the USA’s World Service Campaign, we partner closely with the Ukraine YMCA, YMCA Europe, and the World YMCA to meet urgent needs while strengthening long‑term resilience. Since 2022, YMCA partners have supported more than 400,000 youth, women, and families, the majority of whom are internally displaced within Ukraine or refugees across 18 European countries.

By April 2025, a coalition of U.S. and Canadian YMCAs came together to align resources, deepen mutual learning, and strengthen long‑term support for YMCA Ukraine’s strategic priorities. In October 2025, the confirmation of new national leadership and a renewed strategic vision marked a critical step toward continuity and sustainable impact.

In 2026, U.S. and global YMCA partners are committed to walking alongside YMCA Ukraine to advance financial self‑reliance, strengthen organizational capacity, youth and education programs, humanitarian initiatives, leadership development and support effective governance—ensuring that today’s emergency response also builds a foundation for tomorrow’s recovery.

Please consider making a gift below to YMCA World Service to provide immediate, mid- and long-term support for YMCAs serving those affected by the crisis.

Your supports provides:

• Ongoing emergency aid and mental health counseling for Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people (including YMCA staff and volunteers) in Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic
• Training and coordination through local, national, regional and global response efforts
• Community Learning Hubs at 12 local YMCAs in 4 countries, providing training and therapy for more than 15,000 refugees and IDPs
• Camp Europe (via YMCA Europe Roots for Peace) serving hundreds of youth
• YMCA Veteran Initiative Ukraine supports community integration and healing programs
• Campacity – a shared initiative between YMCA Europe and YMCA of the USA that builds capacity for YMCA leaders to support the healing and development of young people exposed to conflict, strengthening personal and community well-being.
• And much more

To learn more, please email: [email protected]