RCC news

Swiss Delegation in Kharkiv: Analyzing Rapid Response Processes and Meeting with Charitable Organizations for Further Support and Development.
A meeting occurred between employees of the CO Relief Coordination Centre and representatives of the Swiss government, including the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine, Felix Baumann, and members of the SDC fund. This is the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, part of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA), which helps to overcome the consequences of the war in Ukraine.


The first location visited by the delegation was a transit evacuation point (TEP). Here, those present were able to see firsthand the organization and mechanics of the processes; learn about the types of assistance provided - from psychological counseling to closing individual cases, and talk to representatives of non-governmental organizations directly involved on the ground.
Next, the Swiss visited one of the volunteer shelters for people with limited mobility who require care. There, they saw the daily work of volunteers, including representatives of the CF The Way of Ukraine, and international partners of Nonviolent Peaceforce, and heard firsthand about the problems and challenges these people faced.
The next item on the agenda was a visit to one of the strike sites in Saltivka, the consequences of which were still being eliminated a week ago by the Rapid Response Group by sealing windows in apartment buildings. Therefore, representatives of the RRG spoke with foreign guests, and voiced their urgent needs to continue their important activities.
This busy day ended at the Center for the Development of Civil Society. Here, a joint meeting was held between representatives of Switzerland, Nonviolent Peaceforce, and ten following charitable nongovernmental organizations,
•  CO CF Khaustov
•  NGO Free Movement Kharkiv
•  NGO Lookingforce Angel
•  NGO "AID 46"
•  Crisis relief team Germany
•  CO CF The Basis of the Future
•  NGO For Real Kharkiv
•  NGO I Am Saved
•  CO CF Unity And Strength
•  CO CF The Path Of Hope
We are confident that this meeting will allow for more effective coordination of humanitarian aid, attract additional resources, and accelerate the recovery process of the Kharkiv region.


The result of the joint work was a clear understanding of the urgent needs of the region, the development of joint action plans, and the deepening of cooperation between Ukrainian and Swiss partners.
13.11.2024

Kupiansk Support Center was opened in Kharkiv with the direct support of the CO Relief Coordination Centre
Based on a tripartite memorandum between the Kupiansk City Military Administration, RCC, and the NGO Spilna Sprava Dlia Liudei, the CO Relief Coordination Centre has joined the operational and organizational activities of the Center, as well as advocating for its work among local and international partners.


This initiative allows for the attraction of the necessary resources to meet the needs of evacuated residents of Kupiansk, ensuring that everyone who needs support is provided for.
The RCC is also responsible for the digitalization of the Center's processes, implementing analytical systems to ensure the clear and efficient operation of the institution.
By turning to this Center, Kupiansk residents can receive not only food and hygiene kits but also a range of necessary services which are
 • Administrative, legal, and social services;
 • Child protection services;
 • Services for veterans;
 •  Family doctor services;
 • Employment center and pension fund services.


We are proud to participate in such large-scale projects and sincerely believe that the Kupiansk Support Center will become an important place for residents of the district who need support, help, and care. We thank all those involved in this process for their cooperation, especially the head of the Kupiansk City Military Administration, Andrii Besedin.
Vovchansk, Lypetsk, and Kurylivka hubs have been already successfully operating in Kharkiv, and now the Kupiansk one does.


We are working together towards victory!
11.11.2024

Opening of the Kurylivka Hub in Kharkiv
On October 29, the Kurylivka hub was opened in Kharkiv—a center where evacuated residents of the Kurylivka community in the Kharkiv region can receive all necessary services in one place. Kurylivka community is one of the four communities in the Kupiansk district where evacuation measures were intensified. Before the full-scale invasion, around 12,000 people lived here, but currently, only slightly more than a thousand remain.


Internally displaced persons from the Kurylivka community can approach the hub for:


• food, hygiene, and non-food assistance;
• legal and social support;
• psychological assistance.


Support for the affected population is provided by the Kharkiv Regional Organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, the Charitable Organization “Humanitarian Coordination Center,” the Charitable Foundation “Source of Revival,” the “Right to Protection” Foundation, the NGO “Proliska,” World Central Kitchen, and ADRA.


The hub was opened with the support of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, an initiative from the Kurylivka community leadership, and active participation from the “Humanitarian Coordination Center” charity, which contributed to its establishment and workflow.


As of today, 1,962 people have registered, and registration is ongoing. For more information on the hub’s activities, please call: 098 06 13 717.
29.10.2024

SSA Team's Work: A Blueprint for Reconstruction and Development
This month, the SSA team conducted field visits to the Kunye and Oskil communities to carry out re-monitoring and prepare presentations for the Reconstruction and Development Plans. During meetings with the heads of military administrations, current needs were discussed, and plans for future meetings to present these strategies were agreed upon. These plans are being developed by experts from the Relief Coordination Centre based on data collected by the SSA team at the request of the international organization ACTED.
SSA specialists noted positive changes compared to previous monitoring and collected updated information on community needs. In the village of Kapytolivka, windows were restored in apartment buildings, and some of the water pipes were replaced, although an additional two kilometers of the pipeline still need upgrading. The library building was renovated, though there is a need for stationery and educational games for children. The head of Kapytolivka emphasized the importance of developing sports infrastructure, which is currently lacking in the village.
At the meeting with the leadership of the Oskil Military Administration, significant progress was noted in restoring community life. Over the past six months, electricity has been restored to nine settlements, and demining efforts are underway. However, the community still faces a shortage of utility vehicles, particularly repair trucks and sewage cleaning machines. Administration representatives expressed gratitude to international organizations for their assistance in restoring the community, especially for residents of the village Studenok, where homes were heavily damaged by a severe fire on September 2.
The Kunye administration reported that most private homes requiring reconstruction have already been restored, allowing them to focus on social facilities. The restoration plan for the school in Kunye is prepared, and budget documentation for reconstruction work at the Lypchanivka Lyceum is currently under development. International and local organizations, such as ACTED, ADRA, Caritas, NEW WAY, IRC, Rescue Committee, Peaceful Sky, Right to Protection, and St. Nicholas Elves, continue to actively support the community in the recovery process.


However, several unresolved issues are crucial for ensuring a comfortable living environment in the community. Social service workers noted a shortage of diapers for children and adults, as well as the need for financial assistance for vulnerable groups. Cultural institution workers highlighted that six community libraries require Ukrainian-language books for children and adults, along with stationery and educational games
25.10.2024

Continuous Efforts of the Rapid Response Team
Russian forces have intensified their shelling, and every day Kharkiv faces new strikes. Residential neighborhoods, administrative buildings, and open areas are all coming under attack.
The Rapid Response Team, in close coordination with the State Emergency Service, utility services, and representatives of local NGOs, continues to work on mitigating the effects of these strikes in the Kharkiv region.


Importantly, in addition to directly addressing the aftermath of the shelling, humanitarian workers from partner organizations are providing psychological, legal, and financial assistance to the affected population.
22.10.2024