24/3-2023The Power of Pivoting: How a Street Culture Organization ProvideS Relief Amidst War
The war in Ukraine has caused widespread devastation and displacement, with millions of people affected. Among those offering aid and support is Street Culture, a Ukrainian organization that has mobilized its followers, volunteers, and other donors to provide humanitarian relief to people in eastern Ukraine, while simultaneously building an internally displaced persons (IDP) shelter in the western city of Lviv.
Responding to the Needs of Displaced People: Street Culture’s Aid Efforts in Kharkiv
One of the keys to Street Culture’s impact has been its ability to pivot quickly and effectively in response to the changing needs of the people it serves. This agility has been supported by international donors such as the Danish government and GAME, who recognized the value of Street Culture’s work and provided essential funding to support its efforts.
Street Culture’s work takes place in two parts of Ukraine. In Kharkiv, the organization has modified its center to become a warehouse for the collection and distribution of aid. Each day, the team receives supplies and materials from all over the world, which they then repack and redistribute throughout the city and the region, including some of the liberated areas and towns like Irpin. On average, 500 packages come and go from the Street Culture warehouse each day.
URBAN CAMP: Refurbishing an Abandoned Building into a Safe Haven for IDPs
In Lviv, Street Culture has created a refuge for internally displaced people (IDPs), offering beds with linens and towels, multiple meals per day, and outdoor space for physical and fun activities.
The URBAN CAMP is an industrial building that Street Culture has refurbished into a safe haven for IDPs. The building was previously abandoned and in a state of disrepair, but with the help of volunteers, it has been transformed into a functional and welcoming space. The transformation of the building required significant effort, including extensive cleaning, repair work, and the installation of basic facilities such as running water, electricity, and sanitation. The volunteers have also constructed bunk beds, tables, and chairs to provide comfortable living spaces for the IDPs.
URBAN CAMP is now a hub of activity, with residents and volunteers coming together to engage in various activities, including sports, art, and cultural events.
Through the refurbishment of the URBAN CAMP, Street Culture has not only provided a safe space for IDPs but has also revitalized an abandoned building and created a community center that promotes creativity, self-expression, and personal development. The URBAN CAMP is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity.
Building Community Resilience through Street Sports and Culture
Street Culture’s founders, Egor and Katya Matiukhin, believe that their organization can help people live life amidst the ongoing conflict. Street sports and culture are integral to their approach, as they provide opportunities for creative expression and community building. Street Culture offers a range of activities, including breakdance, skateboarding, BMX, DJing, street dancing, graffiti, beatboxing, and parkour, that provide young people with a sense of purpose and belonging.
Overall, Street Culture’s work in Ukraine demonstrates the power of pivoting in response to changing circumstances, and the importance of street sports and culture in building community resilience. Through its efforts, Street Culture is providing essential relief and support to those affected by war, helping them to live life amidst the ongoing
Collaboration for Common Goals: The Partnership between GAME and Street Culture
As a street sports and culture organization, GAME understands the potential of street culture as a community-building force, recognizing that in times of crisis, sports and culture can serve as a powerful tool to provide relief and hope to those affected by war and displacement.
The partnership between GAME and Street Culture highlights the power of collaboration between like-minded organizations in achieving common goals. Street Cuture has been able to harness the potential of street culture to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by war and displacement in Ukraine.
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