Washington, DC – The Hungarian American Coalition disbursed its second grant to the local government of Bakonybél, Hungary, to house and care for refugee families from war-torn Ukraine. The $10,500 donation was raised in partnership with the Hungarian (Magyar) Club of Chicago, longtime Board member of the Coalition, who initiated the fundraiser and committed to match the donations up to $10,000. The Coalition previously supported the project with a donation of $10,000, bringing the total to $20,500. 

Mayor Zoltán Márkus, Coalition Program Coordinator Noémi Bánhidi, and László Katona in front of the old village administration building that is being renovated to host refugees in Bakonybél, Hungary.

The Bakonybél project is spearheaded by László Katona, a Hungarian American professor born and raised in Chicago, where he attended St. Stephen’s Church and the Hungarian Scout Troop. He is now a professor at Pannon University (Veszprém, Hungary) and lives in Bakonybél with his family. Currently, they are hosting 18 refugees: 7 adults and 11 children in the Benedictine monastery and they are in the process of renovating an old administration building to be able to receive additional refugees.

In addition to housing, the townspeople and monks have been working with the families to help them feel at home. They have also secured the help of a Ukrainian-speaking psychologist who can assist remotely if needed.

The Coalition continues to raise funds to aid Hungarian and Ukrainian refugees. Donations can be accepted in two ways: via PayPal, indicating ‘Aid to Hungarian and Ukrainian refugees’ (click here); or via check to our mailing address:

Hungarian American Coalition
P.O. Box 57135
Washington, DC 20037

The Hungarian American Coalition will pass on 100% of all donations to our partner organizations and provide a 501(c)(3) receipt for your records.