4 charities receive Mellon Foundation grants to assist Ukrainian refugees in Pittsburgh

Four Pittsburgh nonprofits with experience helping resettle refugees will receive nearly a half million dollars to assist Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn home country.

The money – about $499,999 – comes from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and will be divided among the Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, Hello Neighbor, the Holy Family Institute, and Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh.

“Ukrainians have been drawn to Pittsburgh for more than 100 years,” said foundation director Sam Reiman. “We want to be ready to help when and if they come to Pittsburgh again.”

The money will help the organizations serve up to 274 refugees.

The war – sparked by an invasion by Russian forces in late February – has displaced an estimated 11 million Ukrainians, according to the United Nations. That includes around 5 million who have fled the country and roughly 6.5 million believed to have been displaced within the county.

“Pittsburgh is blessed with a robust community of caring nonprofits with strong leaders who are eager to help those in need,” Reiman said. “The people fleeing Ukraine will need special assistance, particularly children.”

President Joe Biden last week announced that the United States was preparing to accept up to 100,000 refugees.

“This funding allows us to prepare to meet the needs of families and children and to addess the trauma and crises they have experienced,” said Sister Linda Yakoski, chief executive of the Holy Family Institute and head of the refugee preparations.

The institute will receive $174,000 to provide clothing and recreation supplies, welcome packages and counseling for 24 Ukrainian children. They grant will also go toward education services provided by Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking volunteers.

The other charities will receive:

• • Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, $100,000 to provide mental health services, case management and similar services to 50 to 75 refugees.
• • Hello Neighbor, $100,000 to offer housing, health care, education, employment and transportation help to 100 refugees
• • Jewish Family and Community Services, $125,000 to help provide emergency assistance for families, such as food, clothing, rent, security deposits, utilities and other services to 75 people.

“While this funding will help them begin preparations,” Reiman said, “the need may turn out to be far greater, and we invite other organizations and individuals to support these efforts, as well.”