A working meeting of representatives of public organizations and charitable foundations with the Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, and his relevant deputies was held in Kherson at the Union Foundation's office.
The meeting was devoted to issues of cooperation between the state and local organizations that work daily with the most difficult challenges of the frontline region — evacuation, support for people with reduced mobility, accommodation for victims, social support, restoration of documents, and access to state services.
During the discussion, the participants emphasized that the Kherson region has long needed not only an emergency humanitarian response, but also systemic solutions. This involves creating a sustainable model of cooperation between the state, local volunteers, public organizations, and international partners.
One of the most pressing topics was the evacuation and accommodation of people with reduced mobility and those requiring palliative care. It was noted that the problem lies not only in transportation or obtaining consent for evacuation, but also in the lack of places to relocate people. Specialized facilities in neighboring regions are overcrowded, while the Kherson region itself lacks suitable premises, staff, and resources to establish temporary accommodation with proper care.
The situation of people who lost their documents during the flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant was also discussed. Because of this, some victims are unable to obtain IDP status, receive social benefits, or officially arrange care services. This problem is especially acute for people with limited mobility who are in hospitals or “red zones” and cannot independently restore their documents.
Special attention was paid to cooperation with international donors. Local organizations emphasized that the Kherson region is often perceived solely as an area requiring emergency humanitarian assistance. At the same time, the region needs long-term programs for recovery, service development, staff support, and the creation of care infrastructure.
The participants also raised the issue of retraining adults and preparing specialists needed in the region: social workers, caregivers, drivers, tractor operators, and manual laborers. It was emphasized that online courses do not always meet the real needs of frontline communities, where practical skills and rapid job preparation are essential.
“We are interested in building a dialogue with volunteers and public organizations that work directly ‘in the field.’ You have practical experience and an understanding of people's real needs. Let us find solutions together that are adapted to real conditions,” said Denys Uliutin.
Following the meeting, several areas for further work were outlined: strengthening coordination between the Ministry and volunteers; holding thematic online meetings to analyze specific cases; finding solutions to accommodate people with limited mobility; supporting local organizations in their interactions with donors; and adapting state programs to the needs of frontline communities.
It is important that such a conversation has taken place specifically with organizations working directly “on the ground.” After all, in the conditions of the Kherson region, volunteers and local public initiatives are often the first to identify problems, respond, and provide assistance where state mechanisms do not always reach in time.
As a reminder, a meeting between UNDP representatives and the public sector of Kherson was also held at the Union Foundation's office.
