Local disaster relief charity in Santa Barbara launches new rapid response as Ukraine faces cold blast

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine ShelterBox USA has been sending several response teams for families in need. 

"What they found was freezing temperatures there’s a lack of power. There’s no heat," said president Kerri Murray of ShelterBox USA.

As temperature in Ukraine fall below zero, the response teams is compelled to start yet another project, making it the fourth one this year. 
"Because people will die because of these extraordinary circumstances they’re facing in the middle of the water situation," said Murray.

The team is seeing rapidly deteriorating conditions for thousands of families without heat and power in dangerously cold temperatures.  

“That’s what I mean. Temperatures are below zero degrees around the 20's during the day so freezing temperatures in Ukraine yeah," said communications director Jeremy Jacobs of ShelterBox USA.

As part of the new program, ShelterBox USA is providing warm items like clothing, blankets, and more for the families in Ukraine during this holiday season.

“This new project will also include things like sleeping bags, high thermal blankets, and water carriers in so right now it’s basic things to help families in these extraordinary circumstances," said Murray.

“All of this has put a big strain on our warehouses around the world where we pre-position aid, so what we’re doing right now is we’ve launched an end of year holiday campaign, where people can go to our website, and they can pick the items they like to donate," said Jacobs.

ShelterBox’s new Ukraine programs include warm clothes and blankets.

And it will provide 1,000 of the most vulnerable families with stoves and wood.  

The programs will also provide materials to help seal windows and doors, as well as repair roofs.

Founded in 2000, ShelterBox provides a variety of shelter and essential items after disasters or in conflict areas.

Those looking to support families around the world can purchase aid items ShelterBox will use following disasters or in conflict zones. To learn more, please visit www.ShelterBoxUSA.org/winte