Dear neighbors and friends,

We are a local Washington, D.C. family - helping to bring a Ukrainian war refugee to the United States. Alla fled her home in Chernihiv, Ukraine and will be arriving in the United States in August.

Chernihiv is a city in northern Ukraine just 55 km from the Russian border and even closer to Belarus. Russian military reached the town soon after the invasion began and encircled it. Russians pummeled residents with bombing raids and missile fire, inflicting disproportionate harm on civilian infrastructure and leaving the city in ruins.

Alla’s apartment building was partially destroyed. She evacuated to Poland, leaving everything behind except her passport. She does not have a home to return to for the time being. Many grids and bridges are destroyed, her city has limited access to running water and electricity, and there is unexploded ordnance in different parts of the city. Russian troops are building in Belarus again, and there is an ongoing risk of sudden airstrikes.

We will provide Alla with accommodation and food at our home. In addition, we are asking our community to help raise funds to cover Alla's airfare from Poland and things she may need once she arrives (e.g., medicine, clothing, driver’s course, documents applications, and other miscellaneous expenses).

Thank you in advance for your support.