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Ukraine Crisis

On February 24, 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine displacing over a Million people. As the crisis unfolds, family and friends in the United States have sought help and support from JFCS Pittsburgh and our partner organizations.

JFCS is committed to helping in this crisis. At this time, there are few legal pathways for Ukrainians displaced by the war to enter the United States.

  • Immediate assistance: If your relative is in need of immediate assistance, contact the international organizations who are on the ground abroad to help Ukrainians through the crisis.
  • Residence in the EU: (3/3/2022 - Breaking News) Displaced Ukrainians will be able to remain in the EU - live and work for three years as part of an emergency response plan.
  • Immigration to the US: US citizens or permanent residents can act as an Anchor/Petitioner to bring their relatives to the US through regular immigration channels. JFCS can help with this process for residents of Southwestern PA. (Intake form below)
  • Refugee resettlement: The international refugee resettlement process is initiated by UNHCR. When the US begins accepting refugees from Ukraine, JFCS will help resettle new arrivals to Pittsburgh. (contact details below)
In the links below, you will find information on legal options and a contact form to request assistance from JFCS Immigration Legal Services, JFCS Refugee & Immigrant Services and our Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC) partner agencies.

  • If you need help connecting with resources and support available for immigrants and refugees in Allegheny County – please complete the intake form on the ISAC website.
  • To speak with a therapist or mental health professional, please contact our JFCS Counseling Services at 412.422.0400
  • Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh – Ukraine Relief Fund. 100% of funding will support affected communities. Donate Now
  • HIAS Crisis Response. Funding will support refugees and displaced persons in Ukraine. Donate Now
  • Support the local community: 
    • St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Carnegie) is partnering with Nataliya European Food Market (Squirrel Hill) to collect non-perishable food items and medical supplies for Ukraine! Suggested items include dry cereal, protein bars, water purifying tabs, small peanut butter containers, small canned items with pop tops, and medical supplies you would find in a first aid kit (no sharp objects). The church will be helping with sorting and storing items, and the food market will be shipping the items and making sure they get to people in Ukraine. Contact Fr. John Charest with questions at 847-910-7120 or frjohn.charest@aol.com
    • Rankin Croatian Home is collecting items to send to Poland for the Ukrainian refugees. Items needed include basic hygiene products (soap, tissues, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, deodorant, etc), phone chargers, paper products (plates, napkins, plastic utensils), tea and coffee, diapers, blankets, rain coats, and dry pet food. Items can be dropped off in one of the collection boxes at the club or you can make a cash donation to help pay for shipping. Contact ​​rankincrohome@yahoo.com to learn more
    • Ukrainian Technological Society of Pittsburgh, in conjunction with the Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute (UCHI) and Fourth Wave, Pittsburgh Branch, compiled a list of organizations which are providing aid to Ukraine. Donations to the Ukrainian Technological Society in Pittsburgh will be given to United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Inc., Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Philadelphia, and Revived Soldiers Ukraine. Learn more at https://www.utspgh.org/ 
    • St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church (South Side) is collecting monetary donations and humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian army and civilians. Suggested items to donate include medical supplies (like pain relievers, first aid tourniquets, hemostatic bandages, bandage rolls, patches), cereals, iron mugs, headlamps, dark hats, thermal underwear, socks, dark gloves, cots, and large lanterns. Drop off items at the church on Saturdays from 4-7 pm and Sundays from 8 am-12 pm. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lesya Jurgovsky at 412-944-4333 or Jlesya@yahoo.com.
    • Ukrainian New Wave, Pittsburgh Branch is collecting medicine, bandage materials, medical supplies, scissors, blankets, and headlamps for individuals in Ukraine. Please see the full list of accepted items here and contact Orest Bohonok at 412-886-3291 or email at orestb333@yahoo.com to donate.
    • County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey are leading an effort to provide aid to the people of Ukraine through the creation of hygiene kits. Please visit their dedicated website for the list of kit items and information on how to donate. www.alleghenycounty.us/UkraineDonations
    • For more information on ways to help, please visit the Pittsburgh Ukrainians website.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help.

412-422-7200 | info@jfcspgh.org
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