Vienna Mission for Ukraine

About us

Who are we?

We are a group of more than 200 volunteers from the international community living in Vienna (and abroad). We are committed to serving the refugees from Ukraine and displaced people in Ukraine.

Our main objective is to transport as many people, as fast as possible, to safety, while finding sustainable accommodations and ensuring general welfare.

We have no paid employees. Our volunteers include drivers, translators, project managers, doctors, psychological counselors, career advisors, technology specialists, and a variety of professionals, many with operational backgrounds.

Vienna Mission for Ukraine is a grassroots organization based in Vienna, Austria, and a non-profit association (gemeinnütziger Verein) under Austrian law.

What do we do?

Every day we leverage our capabilities and resources to:

Operate vans and buses to transport people and supplies between Vienna and Ukraine
Provide support of all kinds to refugees in Vienna on a case-by-case basis
Collaborate with and support our partner organizations in Vienna and Ukraine

In addition to our routine activities, we also:

Perform ad-hoc rescue operations in Ukraine of at-risk people and groups without the means to evacuate
Procure and transport urgently needed
- medical supplies to Ukrainian hospitals
- supplies to refugee shelters, aid distribution centers, orphanages, elderly homes, etc.
Support displaced orphanages in Austria and Ukraine
Respond to reports concerning refugee safety and welfare in and around Vienna
Organize volunteers and resources for reconstruction efforts

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Transport and Supply Programs

Van Program

Cargo vans are used to transport medical supplies to Ukrainian hospitals and deliver donated furniture to refugees in and around Vienna. Passenger vans were previously used during the March 2022 refugee surge to transport refugees to safety. A collaboration with First Aid First Hand.

Command Center Program

VM4U operates a command center which provides 24-hour support of field operations, including language support and asset monitoring. The command center has played a critical role in coordination during medical emergencies, mechanical issues, and supply deliveries in Ukraine.

Bus Program

Passenger buses are periodically used to transport refugees, typically as part of rescue or repatriation projects. Busing operations may involve onboard translators and medics, logistical coordination, and human trafficking safeguards procedures.

Generator Supply Program

VM4U project managers procure and transport urgently needed powerbanks and generators (up to 11 kW). VM4U receives a 10% discount on generators. Most generators are donated or raised by partner organizations while the expense of some urgently needed generators is covered by VM4U donations. A collaboration with YOUkraine.

Medical Supply Program

VM4U project managers work with medical doctors to procure, raise, and transport urgently needed medical supplies and medical equipment. V4MU receives a 30-50% discount on medical supply purchases. Most medical supplies and equipment are donated or raised by partner organizations while the expense of some urgently needed medical supplies is covered by VM4U donations. A collaboration with YOUkraine.

General Supply Program

VM4U project managers work to procure, raise, and transport urgently needed supplies. Most supplies are donated or raised by partner organizations while the expense of some urgently needed supplies is directly covered by VM4U donations.

Refugee Support Programs

Medical Support Program

Ukrainian and Russian speaking doctors who are familiar with the Austrian medical system are available to assist refugees with finding doctors and making appointments. Translators are available to attend medical appointments and personally assist refugees to navigate the Austrian medical system.

Furnishings Program

Volunteers raise donated furniture and appliances and deliver directly to refugees. A collaboration with The Feel Good Store

Art Program

A children’s arts and crafts workshop is held once per week. A collaboration with Domivka

Football Program

Football training sessions for children ages 6-11 are led by Ukrainian coaches once per week. A collaboration with Domivka

Music Program

Refugee children are returned to music training for 30 minutes per week thanks to volunteer instructors and donated instruments. A collaboration with Domivka, Kimu Wien, Liberty Education and Art For Future

German Program

Introductory level German courses for adults and children are held once per week by professional language instructors at no cost to refugees. A children’s play area adjacent to the classroom permits parents to easily attend the class. A collaboration with Domivka

Bicycle Program

Donated bicycles are distributed to refugee children (priority) and adults. A collaboration with The Feel Good Store

Refugee Welfare Program

Dedicated staff are available to support refugees with any issues they are facing. This ranges from neighborly advice to in-field support during medical emergencies.

Orphanage Support Program

VM4U supplies and supports the welfare of children in displaced orphanages in Austria and Ukraine.

Accommodations Program

Over 60 VM4U host families have opened their homes to refugees, providing both short- and long-term accommodations. All host families go through a vetting process before being matched with refugee families.

University Education and Employment Programs

Specialized volunteers are available to assist refugees in finding employment as well as applying to universities in Vienna and elsewhere.

Intergration Program

The goal of this program is to help refugees independently function in Austrian society. Specialized volunteers work to facilitate refugees with learning German, finding employment, attending Austrian schools, and re-entering athletics, arts, music, and special needs programs.

Psychological Support Program

Ukrainian and Russian speaking psychologists and psychotherapists, many who are refugees themselves, provide free support to refugees as well as provide training for VM4U management, volunteers, and host families.

Reconstruction Program

Experts are in the early stages of organizing the volunteer capability and resources present in Vienna and developing partnerships with volunteer organizations in Ukraine focused on reconstruction.

Helpline Program

A helpline phone number is provided to refugees which VM4U comes in contact with. The helpline is available 24 hours a day and refugees can ensure they are fully always supported by VM4U.