Background and Need for The Kipeni Safe House Foundation

The war in Ukraine literally exploded into the news in February 2022 and many people have been moved to help where they can and in so many ways. Latvia has opened its country and heart to the Ukrainian people, sharing a history of oppression and welcoming refugees, housing them where possible. Estimates range as high as 60,000 refugees at the peak, although many families from Kyiv and the West have been able to return home. However, around 30,000 remain and whilst open-hearted, Latvia is not a wealthy country. We do what we can and there is an immediate need.

The normal political horizon for assistance is often only 6 months or so and we see the need for housing that goes well beyond that timescale. The Kipeni Safe House Foundation has been established as a charity to provide not only an immediate place to rest, but also a longer-term home where Ukrainian families can settle in for as long as they need. 

The war has continued and the Ukrainian people are suffering. The U.N. has reported that over 7.5 million refugees are estimated to have left Ukraine, including almost 3 million forcibly deported into Russia. Many of these are children. If, and when, they succeed in escaping the country into Europe, families have to find a route to somewhere away from the immediate holding camps, such as the amazing work being done in Poland. They need somewhere more permanent.

The global community is rallying round and helping where they can, whether it be sending funds to help the war effort or providing for the many families and children that have fled with little more than a bag they can carry with them on the journey. Now, it’s our turn.

The Kipeni Safe House Foundation is a Not For Profit organisation (nodibinājums 40008323983). We are doing all we can to provide part of the solution to the needs of Ukrainian families who find themselves here in Latvia.