"Sumy residents unite in wake of Russian missile attack: Volunteers, NGOs, and fundraisers mobilize to support those affected"
Psychologists, social workers, and lawyers from various NGOs are assisting residents of Sumy affected by yesterday's Russian missile strike. Volunteers are helping clear rubble, board up windows, and distribute emergency home repair kits. Concerned citizens have also opened a fund to collect donations for the victims, which has already raised over 6.5 million UAH (approximately $165,000 USD).
This was reported by Rubryka.
What is the problem?
On the morning of April 13, on one of the most significant Christian holidays, the city of Sumy was struck by a missile attack: two ballistic missiles launched by the Russian army hit the city center. The strike claimed the lives of 35 people, including two children. More than 100 people—adults and children alike—were injured, and over 50 buildings sustained damage.
What is the solution?
Today, Ukraine mourns the victims of the attack on Sumy.
Yet amid the grief and destruction, against the backdrop of pain and loss, the strength of human solidarity has come to light. Despite the horrific circumstances, the residents of Sumy have come together, working side by side to overcome the aftermath of the Russian Federation's terrorist attack. A humanitarian headquarters has been set up in the city to assist the victims, and both local residents and public organizations from Sumy and across Ukraine have actively joined efforts to respond to the emergency and support those in the most difficult situations.
How does it work?
A mobile team of psychologists from the NGO "Fishing Club of Ukraine" is currently working on the ground. Photo: Facebook page of the NGO
"My mother and I were leaving the church. When the air alarm sounded, we heard the first explosion. Glass started flying at me, everything was covered in smoke and dust—I didn't understand anything. I grabbed my mother because I was scared. She grabbed me, and we ran to the shelter. People came up to me there and started helping,"—this is how seven-year-old Sofiyka described the first moments after the enemy strike to the psychological support team from the NGO Fishing Club of Ukraine.
"Children should not become victims of war. They should live, play, study, and dream without fear," the organization states. The NGO's mobile teams have been working at the site of the strike for the second consecutive day, providing initial psychological support, assisting families, assessing needs, and helping children cope with trauma.
Consultations are being provided by specialists from the Pravo na Zakhyst Foundation. Photo: the foundation's Facebook page
The crisis response team from the Pravo na Zakhyst Foundation—which includes monitoring specialists, lawyers, psychologists, and cash assistance managers—has been supporting victims at the humanitarian headquarters since yesterday. The team is set to continue its work there tomorrow.
Employees of the Rokada Foundation are assisting victims with filling the necessary documents. Photo: the foundation's Facebook page
At the aid headquarters, the Rokada Foundation is providing various forms of support to the victims:
- A social worker assists individuals with paperwork and offers consultations on establishing disability status and securing social compensation for those with mine-explosive injuries.
- A psychologist provides first psychological aid, helping to stabilize emotional states after the traumatic experience.
- A lawyer offers advice on proving ownership of destroyed property, assists with processing applications for the e-Recovery program, and helps prepare documents for receiving compensation.
Destruction in the city center of Sumy following the Russian ballistic missile strike on April 13. Photo from open sources
For the second consecutive day, the Sumy Dobrobat—a volunteer construction battalion aiding in the urgent reconstruction of housing and social infrastructure in liberated territories—has been working at the site of the Russian missile strike. Volunteers are clearing streets, removing rubble, and boarding up windows.
"Over 270 window openings were closed on Sunday, and today the Dobrobat members continued their efforts. They are working at the Congress Center of Sumy State University, as well as at the damaged buildings of this educational institution, the Institute of Applied Physics, the Philharmonic, and other affected structures," said Oleksii Kliuyev, head of the Sumy branch of Dobrobat, about the situation in the city and the ongoing volunteer work.
Volunteers from the Rye. We Sow Good charity are dismantling broken windows. Photo: screenshot from the fund's video
Since this morning, volunteers from the "Rye. We Sow Good" charity have been assisting with the aftermath of yesterday's bombings at the site of the tragedy.
The volunteers are working tirelessly to board up windows in damaged buildings. However, air raids are slowing their progress, as enemy Shahed drones continue to target the city. (Operational update as of 4 p.m. on April 14: 19 cars were damaged by the Shahed drone strike, 11 of which were completely burned out and 8 were partially damaged).
Volunteers of the humanitarian mission "Proliska." Photo: Facebook page of the organization
On April 13, the humanitarian mission Proliska provided assistance to 126 households, benefiting 242 people, with materials and kits for emergency home repairs. The organization's specialists also offered 68 consultations on protection-related matters, and 32 people received psychological consultations.
Even more useful solutions!
To assist residents whose homes were damaged by rocket fire, local authorities in Sumy have opened a headquarters. It operates at the shelter of School No. 4 starting from 1:00 p.m.
The headquarters offers consultations and accepts applications for inspections of damaged homes.
Anyone can contribute to helping Sumy residents. Several Ukrainian Telegram channels have set up a fundraiser to collect funds for the victims.
In just two days, through collective efforts, more than 6.5 million hryvnias have already been raised (approximately $165,000 USD).
