Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has already resulted in thousands of casualties and more than 2 million people displaced, and shows no sign of ending. Here in Portugal, where Ukrainians have long been part of the community, many of us are mortified by the news reports and images from Ukraine’s besieged cities, and anxious about what happens next.
As the next chapter in this atrocity unfolds, however, there are abundant ways we can help:
Many churches, Juntas de Freguesias, community centers and even stores all over Portugal have set up collection points for clothing and medicine donations. For an up-to-date list, see this Google Doc.
WeHelpUkraine.org is a Portuguese-built platform for those seeking help as well as those willing to provide it, including help with housing, transport, paperwork, medical services, or monetary donations. The platform is now available in Ukrainian, Portuguese, English, Russian, French, Polish, and Romanian and is supported by several Portuguese firms and institutions, including the energy company Galp and the Portuguese Red Cross.
For those willing to house refugees in Portugal, you can also submit a form here. For housing in Portugal and beyond, you can also use ICanHelp.Host.
Portugal’s Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) has set up a platform for employers who want to hire Ukrainian citizens, and those looking for work. The list of current job offerings is here.
From Ukraine to Portugal, a logistics platform founded by Kateryna Shepeliuk and David Carvalhão, needs volunteers who speak Ukrainian or Russian and English or Portuguese to man call centers for providing information on exiting Ukraine, getting to Portugal, the visa process, Portuguese classes, legal assistance, and psychological help.
Portugal For Ukraine is a government-run information site on various initiatives to house and employ Ukrainian refugees, available in Portuguese and English, as well as news on initiatives in the National Health Service and other entities. The platform also functions as a way for those in need to connect with employers and volunteers through a short contact form.
ePortugal.gov.pt has set up a page, in Portuguese and English, detailing information for Ukrainian citizens on transportation to Portugal, accommodation, employment, education, residence, and more.
The Portuguese Notaries association has set up a platform providing free help with paperwork such as travel authorizations, invitation letters and translation certification.
And to show your support and keep up with the Ukrainian community in Portugal, head to the Ukrainians in Portugal Facebook page.
