Help for Ukrainian Families

People in the U.S. have contacted me asking how they can help. How can they donate and be sure the money gets where it needs to be? This fundraiser is in reply to that question.

My name is Matthew Hohn. My family and I are American and Polish, live in Poznan, Poland, and want to help refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

I have friends who are coordinating with others and successfully finding housing and supplies for refugees. Several of my friends are hosting families and supporting them according to their means. I do not have the means to provide shelter. I am trying to support the refugees via this fundraiser, and through donations of supplies my family has made.

The future is as unknown as ever for these people. I want this fundraiser to be a way to help them now or in the future.

In the short and long term, donations may be used for:

• whatever the refugees need – things are changing fast, and everyone is adapting to the circumstances – we will listen to the refugees and help them with their needs

• school supplies or lunches for refugee children at public schools in Poznan

In the short term, donations may be used for:

• food and drink such as sandwiches, waters and juices, to be handed out to refugees arriving in Poznan

100% of donations will go to refugees. I will try to keep you updated here on how the donations are used.

The fundraising goal is not limited to any amount and may increase. Any amount raised will be a success. If circumstances allow, I would be happy to increase this amount. Please understand that donations may be used in full or in part over time, depending on several factors, including what is needed and when.

The technical side:

Poland is not a country supported by GoFundMe, so donations will be transferred to my U.S. bank account. I will then transfer them to my Polish bank account via Wise, an established currency transfer service I have used several times. This means a small delay and fee will be incurred, but the U.S. dollar is strong and will go far in Poland. The fee is based on how much is transferred at once but is insignificant when compared to the value of even the smallest donation.

Me or my friends may use our own money to cover what is needed before any amount is transferred to Poland, and then reimburse that money later with donations.