As for cities that are obviously not safe, still, humanitarian org. might be better.
I've been booking rooms in a range of places in Ukraine and having conversations with hosts. The money has gone to good use. For example, one of the hosts said she was OK and she was going to donate the funds to a children's hospital in need.
Now, I know some are going to ask: How do you know they are not scammers?
Well, you do a little research. Beyond that, you can either assume people good or bad. I'd rather assume they are just like me and lend a helping hand when I can.