Just a few years ago, Maryna from Zaporizhzhia never imagined she would have to leave her hometown, where she had lived for nearly 50 years, and move to a village. Her apartment stood next to the Motor Sich plant, which became a target for shelling immediately after the full-scale invasion began, making it unsafe. The proximity to a strategic facility and the frequent nearby explosions forced her and her husband to leave the city and move to the village of Lysohirka in the Bilenkivska community.
“At the time, the decision seemed temporary, but the village has been our new home for more than two years now. We are calmer here, we have a small garden, and I grow my own vegetables,” the woman says about her new life.
Maryna is unemployed due to her health: she suffered a stroke five years ago and has a Group II disability. Her husband is also ill, able to move only around the house, and requires daily care. He also recently had a stroke, which significantly worsened his vision. The couple’s only source of income, she says, is their two pensions, which total around 3,000 hryvnias per month. Despite the financial struggles, Maryna does not complain about life and says they are greatly supported by the humanitarian aid they have received multiple times from the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services.”
“I recently received both a hygiene kit and a kit for people with special needs. Absolutely everything came in handy, especially the detergents and washing powder. I usually have to save up for these things or go without them entirely. But when I received a package that even had hand cream, a towel, and shampoo, my husband and I were overjoyed. I immediately called your foundation’s hotline to say thank you,” the woman recounts.
The items from the special needs kit also proved useful for Maryna’s husband during his recent hospitalization.
“Previously, when my husband was in the hospital, I had to save money to buy disposable bedpads. But now, when I visit him, I can bring the pads and diapers from the kit we received. This is a huge help for me, both financially and practically,” the beneficiary admits.
This assistance for Maryna and other recipients was made possible by the Lifesaving: Protection, Shelter, and WASH for War-Affected Regions project, implemented by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in partnership with the charitable organization Malteser International, with support from Aktion Deutschland Hilft.