The Lifesaving Shelter, MPCA, SRH, and Protection Assistance for Conflict-Affected Communities in Rural Hromadas in Mykolaivska and Khersonska Oblasts project has provided crucial assistance to 255 families whose homes were damaged by hostilities.
A large team of specialists contributed to this effort, including project assistant Khrystyna Oliynyk. “This project was essential for residents of Khersonska Oblast, which constantly suffers from shelling. Its value also lies in the fact that we primarily aided the elderly and individuals with disabilities, for whom this assistance was essential. Vulnerable categories residents received the necessary assistance in the form of light repairs to windows, doors, and roofs, allowing them to live in warmth and comfort, with real windows replacing temporary plywood board covers,” she said.
Oliynyk also highlighted the project’s main challenge: the difficult security conditions in the area, which frequently slowed progress. The team often found it difficult to gain access to the homes, but thanks to their coordinated work, they were able to complete this task successfully. Importantly, the Foundation aimed to consider each homeowner’s needs and preferences in the repair process.
One beneficiary, Viktoriya (name changed for safety reasons), shared her experience: “The first strike hit our building in February 2023 — directly into our entrance. I wasn’t home, and my father had just stepped out of the kitchen, which saved him. All he saw was thousands of colorful shards of glass flying toward him. We spent so long cleaning up the glass! The windows were boarded up with plywood, and we endured the winter in darkness, not knowing whether it was day or night. It wasn’t easy. We’re so grateful for the help — everything was done so well, we’re thrilled: new windows, beautiful jambs. Finally, after a year, we have light in our apartment!”
As part of this project, the Foundation signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Kherson Regional Center “Successful Woman” NGO. Through this partnership, 300 non-food item kits were distributed to Kherson residents. Each kit included a portable gas stove, power bank, blanket, sleeping bag, portable lamp, a set of candles, and other essential items. Notably, the distribution of these kits took into account gender-specific needs and addressed issues faced by those experiencing various forms of discrimination.
The Lifesaving Shelter, MPCA, SRH, and Protection Assistance for Conflict-Affected Communities in Rural Hromadas in Mykolaivska and Khersonska Oblasts project is implemented by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in collaboration with the international humanitarian organization CARE, with support from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF).