Project “Firewood” – Kupiansk District, Kharkiv Region
While the large truck is under repair, we managed to provide firewood to five families in the Kupiansk district, specifically in the villages of Arkadiivka, Husyn, Prosiaky, and the urban-type settlement of Shevchenkove. These families, who relocated from Kupiansk and the Donetsk region, are living under extremely challenging conditions in abandoned houses in remote hamlets far from civilization, as more suitable housing nearby has long been occupied.
All these families survive with wood-burning stoves and only a few hours of electricity per day. There are no nearby stores, and the roads are in terrible condition. Despite this, the people strive to adapt to their new circumstances. They tend gardens, raise chickens and goats, and draw water from wells. They are deeply grateful for the assistance they receive and have requested, if possible, large gas cylinders to aid them further. This time, we delivered 10 cubic meters of firewood, weighing a total of 8 tons.
Stories of Those Who Received Help
Grandfather with Grandchildren
A man lost his daughter in a missile attack that took her life. She left behind two children who are now orphans. With their father absent, the grandfather has taken on the responsibility of caring for them. They live in Shevchenkove, relying on a wood-burning stove for heating. The firewood provided has become a lifeline for this family during the harsh winter cold.
Elderly Woman Without Documents
A woman, originally from Moldova and around 70 years old, worked for a farmer who confiscated her passport and other documents. When the war began, the farmer fled, leaving her destitute. Acquaintances helped her find refuge in an old house near Rozdolne, but she has no money for electricity or other basic needs. Without documents, she cannot access a pension or other support. Restoring her documents is nearly impossible, as local authorities advise contacting Moldova—a step beyond her reach. Thanks to the aid, this woman received firewood to heat her home.
A Family from Kupiansk
A young man originally from Kupiansk has settled with his family in an abandoned house that had been completely looted. The house lacks even the most basic living conditions. Despite this, the man is making every effort to restore the house and create at least minimal comforts. He is raising two children and, together with his wife, is working hard to secure a better future for them.
Despite immense challenges, these individuals persevere, finding strength to fight for a semblance of normal life. They are profoundly thankful to those who remember and support them during these tough times.
Kherson Region
Kherson: A Week of Aid from the “Step with Hope” Foundation
Last week, the foundation’s team carried out several vital initiatives to support residents of Kherson and nearby areas, who continue to face the consequences of war and the ecological disaster following the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant.
- Fed two abandoned animals left without owners.
- Refueled five generators powering critical infrastructure.
- Delivered three cans of gasoline to residents of the eastern neighborhood.
- Purchased and delivered a blood pressure monitor to a resident of the Ostriv neighborhood in need.
- Provided a kitchen unit to a resident whose apartment was completely flooded.
- Conducted pest control in 16 premises, including three large basements, and supplied rodent poison for individual use.
- Organized a gift program for children in Kherson.
- Delivered a dehumidifier to combat flooding.
- Provided an additional dehumidifier under emergency conditions for a water-damaged facility.
- Conducted disinfection of two moisture-damaged premises.
- Purchased and delivered a glucose meter for a resident of Visuntsi village.
- Performed urgent insect control in one facility.
Residents strive to salvage their homes, which have become uninhabitable. These are places where they grew up, raised children, and created memories—only for everything to change in an instant.
The “Step with Hope” team works daily to help residents combat mold and mildew, dry out homes, and rebuild. Moving from one household to the next, we show people that they are not alone in their struggles. Together, we restore their faith in recovery and demonstrate that they have someone to rely on.
Donetsk Region: Aid in Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, and Mykolaivka
Kostiantynivka
The situation in the city grows increasingly tense as the front line moves closer. Kostiantynivka faces constant shelling.
40 individuals received eyeglasses.
Olha Petryvna, one recipient, shared that her glasses had broken, and it was impossible to buy new ones in the city. She learned from neighbors about the aid center, where she not only received new glasses but also bread. Olha expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support, particularly the psychological help, which is equally crucial to her.
Druzhkivka
In this city, the team organized several activities to support local residents:
— Distribution of bread.
— Children’s workshops, providing joy and a distraction from harsh realities.
— A charity meal for affected residents.
Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Mykolaivka
In Kramatorsk, individuals in dire circumstances received humanitarian aid in the form of food packages.
Residents of these cities express profound gratitude for the assistance, which is essential for survival. Every initiative by the “Step with Hope” team offers them support, helping them face the challenges of war and maintain hope for a brighter future.
Kharkiv Region: Assistance in Znamianka, Chuhuiv, Kochetok, Krasnohrad, and Kharkiv
Znamianka
Olha Ivanivna, 58, lives with her husband and their son, who has been disabled since childhood. The family keeps a cow and chickens, but most of their funds go toward medication. Every Wednesday, they receive bread and are sincerely grateful for this support. Olha Ivanivna wishes peace and health to everyone helping during these trying times.
Chuhuiv and Kochetok
Zinaida Mykhailivna, born in 1949, a pensioner with a low income, is deeply thankful for the care and support, which are incredibly important to her.
Krasnohrad
Ivan Mykhailovych, 61 years old, survives on a minimal pension. With no job opportunities in the area to improve his financial situation, he deeply appreciates the steady support, especially the bread that sustains him.
Kharkiv, Kamyana Yaruha, Mala Danylivka
The situation in Kharkiv remains stable: the city is quiet, without shelling, though tensions rise in the region due to active combat near Kupiansk.
- Activities for children and adults: Over the weekend, four sessions were held for children and teenagers. On Saturday, teenagers attended a class, but the evening session was canceled due to illness among participants. Sunday featured a “Women’s Fitness Club” session, and the psychological support program for adults continued.
- City conditions: Utilities like electricity, heating, and transport operate steadily. Free transport—metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses—runs across the city. However, intensified shelling in suburban areas keeps residents on edge.
- Foundation assistance: Residents express gratitude for consistent help, especially the weekly bread distributions. Every Saturday, a charity lunch is organized for all.
Needs:
Residents are thankful for the support but highlight urgent needs, including cleaning supplies, adult diapers, and solar-powered flashlights due to potential blackouts.
Individual Gratitude:
Ihor, 44 years old, visually impaired, regularly receives bread and expresses deep appreciation.
The foundation team continues to assist those in need, bringing hope and support during challenging times.
Dnipropetrovsk Region
Nikopol, Marhanets
The week was notably productive:
- Humanitarian aid: Two trips were made to the warehouse in Dnipro to collect food supplies. In Nikopol, 55 packages were prepared and delivered to Marhanets, supporting residents of a neighborhood where 85% are pensioners and people with disabilities.
- Targeted assistance: Visits were made to severely ill and immobile residents, providing food and diapers.
Stories:
- Heorhiy, a retired engineer, has been bedridden for four years following a stroke, with his son as his sole support.
- Arkadiy, a retired military officer with heart problems, mourns the loss of his son, who died in the war.
- Valentyna, 78 years old, lives alone on a minimal pension, facing severe illness.
- Zinaida, 66 years old, battles a debilitating illness that restricts her mobility.
- Ophthalmological support: In Marhanets, 55 individuals, including children and adults, received eye care.
- Water supply: The aid center in Nikopol distributed three tons of drinking water.
Special Cases:
- A family with Vlada lost their home to shelling and urgently needs support to rebuild their lives.
- Tamara, a resident of Kirovo village, requested diapers due to her critical health condition.
Pavlohrad
- Distributed food packages and hygiene supplies.
- Vera Ivanivna, a 60-year-old displaced person from the Luhansk region, expressed gratitude for the food and medicine she received.
- Regional situation: With a steady influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the demand for food continues to grow.
Kryvyi Rih
Humanitarian trips were conducted in the following areas:
- Sofiyivka, Vakulivska OTG: Bread, food packages, and firewood were delivered.
- Beryslavska OTG: Stoves and aid kits were provided.
- Khrystoforivka: Gifts for orphans and a wheelchair were delivered.
- Radushne: Bread distribution took place.
- Psychosocial support: Assistance was provided to 120 people, and 3,700 kg of supplies were delivered.
Notable Stories:
- Danylo (8 months): Son of a deceased combat medic; his family receives support.
- Kira: Daughter of a Mariupol defender recently released from captivity, now undergoing rehabilitation.
- Lev: Son of a soldier who returned after two years in captivity.
- Kira and Sviatoslav: Children of a defender of Mariupol, who reunited with their father after three years.
- Evangeline: A girl whose father is missing in action on the front lines.
Sofiyivska OTG
- Bread distribution for IDPs and families in difficult circumstances.
- Housing challenges: Many rent homes under harsh conditions, often lacking basic amenities.
- Residents are thankful for bread, humanitarian packages, firewood, and heaters.
Kamianske
The volunteer center actively worked in several directions:
- Transporting humanitarian aid (within the city and region).
- Distributing bread, food packages, hygiene products, and clothing.
- Organizing charity meals.
- Operating the children’s center “Smile” and the creative hub “Berehynia.”
- Running programs like “Strength in Weakness” and “Healing Wounded Souls.”
Additional Services:
- Laundry facilities for IDPs and vulnerable families.
- A massage room for physical rehabilitation.
- Provision of glasses and specific necessities (e.g., diapers).
These achievements highlight the profound impact of your work. You exemplify tireless support and kindness!