KHERSON REGION
KHERSON
Kherson remains connected, and we continue our work. Every task is carefully planned because the city of Kherson is on the front line, but people continue to live even in dangerous areas. We strive to help everyone in any way we can. That’s why each trip is meticulously organized. We are grateful to our partners, Ukraine TrustChain, for assisting in these regions.
We continue conducting disinfections and rodent control in the basements of multi-story buildings in Kherson. In some basements, this needs to be done more than once because the first attempt doesn’t always succeed. People need access to safe basements, as shelling continues, and many spend significant time in these basements, which have been converted into bomb shelters. They make these spaces more comfortable for long stays.
There is also an electricity issue in some parts of Kherson because the enemy heavily targets infrastructure. What are we doing? We help by providing generators and even fueling them ourselves.
Residents of one Kherson building are very grateful to the Step with Hope Charity Foundation for supporting them during this difficult time of active conflict. In one entrance, six people were diagnosed with rotavirus infection. To prevent further spread, our team responded quickly and treated the entire building from the first to the tenth floor. They were very thankful!
Ms. Natalia reached out to us for help because her building was overrun with mice. Two apartments and a bomb shelter, where a woman and three other residents live, were particularly problematic. These individuals are hiding in the shelter from shelling, and after our treatment, both the apartments and the shelter will be free of mice. The residents will finally be rid of these persistent pests.
BERYSLAV
This week, we made trips to the Kherson region (Beryslav District) to deliver humanitarian aid to residents of Novo Beryslav and Shlyakhove. Traveling to the Kherson region is very challenging because it is dangerous—we are getting closer to the front lines.
What struck us was that community leaders and village elders remained there with the people. The villagers spoke highly of their leaders, who stayed behind to care for and assist them. The villages are carrying on with their normal lives, but every day, every minute, every night is filled with constant shelling. There are no buildings left untouched by damage, so residents of these areas desperately need help repairing roofs and ceilings. This time, we were able to help some people by distributing food packages.
DONETSK REGION
KRAMATORSK, SLOVIANSK
From September 27 to 29, we traveled to Kramatorsk and the Donetsk region with humanitarian aid. The situation in Donetsk has drastically changed. Starting Monday, the shelling intensified. On Saturday night, when we stayed there, the entire Donetsk region was under fire.
In Dobropillia, there were 15 strikes, and houses were burning. Our volunteer, who stayed overnight there, was very anxious. The following day, on Saturday, there were more attacks. The next day, he asked us to take him to Kramatorsk, and we did. In Kramatorsk, there were four strikes, with four missiles launched. Earlier, they targeted specific points like factories, but now they are just bombing towns and homes, even where there are almost no military personnel. Thus, the destruction in Donetsk continues. The military situation has deteriorated significantly. Despite these conditions, we are trying to help people. We made a trip to Kostyantynivka, which, like Pokrovsk, is constantly under fire.
We provided assistance quickly. We loaded everything and left as soon as possible because the farther from Kostyantynivka, the safer. The same goes for Pokrovsk, so we left as fast as we could.
Some people who are relocating to Bila Tserkva asked us to pick up their belongings from Kostyantynivka so they can send them via Nova Poshta when possible. The state of the people who arrived after the shelling between Friday and Saturday night was heartbreaking. One man came and shared that everything that could be blown out of his brother’s apartment, where he lives, was blown out. This man is about 70 years old, and though he smiled as if to say, “Look how brave I am,” we could tell he was very scared. We hugged him and shook his hand, wishing him blessings and safety. He thanked us with tears in his eyes and a smile.
Another woman shared that Dobropillia had been shelled 15 times, which was odd since there were almost no military personnel there. The invaders likely targeted the pipe factory, although it had been abandoned long ago.
KOSTYANTYNIVKA, DRUZHKIVKA
In Druzhkivka, there were some attacks during the week, but they were not too severe. More refugees from nearby settlements continue to arrive as the front slowly approaches. We provided help to internally displaced persons, pensioners, the disabled, and the unemployed. There were many heartfelt thanks to the foundation, as well as incredible stories of survival.
Nadiya, a woman who arrived from a village where her home was destroyed, is now staying with a relative in Druzhkivka. She expressed immense gratitude, not only for the aid but especially for the psychological support and care provided by Step with Hope. She was deeply thankful.
In Kostyantynivka, we provided diapers for the elderly and disabled. We also helped a local woman, Tetyana, whose husband is bedridden. Shelling had damaged the kitchen and facade of her home. She needs evacuation, but her husband’s condition makes it difficult. She expressed gratitude for the care and assistance we provided.
KHARKIV REGION ZNAMIANKA
The situation in this settlement hasn’t changed critically, though explosions are heard from afar. There’s a significant need for diapers for children, as many displaced families with young children live here. We distributed food packages to Znamianka residents, for which they are very thankful.
People are especially grateful for the bread. Every time they receive it, they express their heartfelt thanks to the organizers of the “Step with Hope” project and everyone involved. We’re very thankful for the help!
CHUHUIV AND KOCHETOK
Upon our arrival, we immediately started receiving gratitude from the residents of these villages.
«I, Natalia Hennadiivna, 64 years old, a pensioner and a temporary displaced person from Kupiansk, where the situation was very dire. I am grateful to the volunteers who transported me to Chuhuiv, and I sincerely thank them for their care and the assistance they provide».
The situation has significantly worsened – shelling has become more frequent, targeting not only infrastructure but also residential buildings and substations. People simply do not have enough funds to repair their roofs.
Funds are needed to purchase portable diesel generators, firewood for heating, tree pruners, roofing materials, and concrete rings for the community well.
This week, we conducted a second round of area inspections and situation assessments. People are very concerned about the frequent shelling and power outages, but they have nowhere to go and no means to leave. Around 60% of those surveyed are in this situation.
MEREFA
People are extremely grateful to the sponsors for their crucial support during these challenging times, as we continue to visit and assist Merefa as well. In every settlement, we aim to leave not only physical assistance but also a bit of warmth and hope to improve people’s lives.
BALAKLIIA
«My name is Valentyna, I am 86 years old. My son passed away, and my daughter is far away. It is very difficult to be alone at this age. I am very grateful for the free bread distribution every week. Thank you for your help».
KRASNOHRAD
The situation has not improved over the past week, and many people are in need of food. Internally displaced people from the conflict zone also continue to require support.
People start lining up three hours before the distribution begins, and we do our best to meet their needs for bread and eyeglasses, thanks to our partners at Restoring Vision. There is a shortage of hygiene products and food.
We also received words of thanks. Svitlana Oleksandrivna, 65 years old, a displaced person from Luhansk region, had to leave her home after the full-scale war began. It is hard to live on state assistance, as it is very small, and a large portion goes toward rent. She is very thankful for the bread provided by the “Step with Hope” Foundation.
In turn, we are very grateful to our partners, Ukraine TrustChain, who continue to support Ukraine in these difficult times.
PERVOIMAISKYI
The situation in the city remains stable, with no change in the number of people receiving assistance. People express their gratitude to the sponsors, asking that the bread distribution continue. They are also in need of winter clothing, medicine, and firewood.
Olena, a resident of Pervomaiskyi, has hosted four displaced people in her home since the war began. Two of them managed to find work, but the other two are elderly, homeless, and in need of almost everything. They are very grateful for the food assistance they receive.
KHARKIV, KAMIANA YARUHA, MALA DANYLIVKA
The situation on the front has worsened, and conditions in the city of Kharkiv have escalated. Previously, explosions and strikes occurred mainly in the region, but now the aggressor drops shells on residential areas of the city daily, including hits on apartment buildings.
Most residents have left Kharkiv for safety, but the situation remains unstable. People are constantly under stress, and this has visibly affected the overall mental health of the population
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:01 PM, three explosions were heard. A shell hit near a multi-story building, damaging the main structure and forcing an evacuation. The “Step with Hope” Foundation team promptly responded to the site. Our team especially helped the residents whose vehicles were damaged. That same evening, we also provided psychological support to the children we have been working with since the start of the full-scale war. One girl, Sofia, 10 years old, had a panic attack and needed immediate assistance, which we provided right away. Thankfully, there were no fatalities that night, but many were injured.
After such turbulent days, we decided to hold an art therapy session in the form of a “Salt Painting” workshop, where both adults and children participated. Everyone had a chance to disconnect from reality and recover after the difficult night. Many felt happy and inspired after the session.
Our team was particularly struck by a drawing by a 9-year-old boy, Sasha. He painted a heart, half covered in bright colors, and the other half in black, as though the dark color was consuming the bright ones. The art therapy revealed something that is not immediately apparent—Sasha is usually active and cheerful, but his drawing reflected his inner emotional state. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many Ukrainian children. We asked, “Why did you use black?” He didn’t answer. Then we asked, “Why did you add glitter?” His response pleasantly surprised us: “Because the glitter is our meetings. I like coming here.”
This week, we also distributed eyeglasses, supported by our partners at Restoring Vision, and free bread, thanks to Ukraine TrustChain.
The number of people receiving bread remains steady. People are incredibly grateful to the “Step with Hope” Foundation and the sponsors for providing such consistent and ongoing help for such a long time.
DNIPROPETROVSK REGION
NIKOPOL
This time, we distributed most of the food packages in the villages of Zakamyanka and Horodyshche. They are on the front line and are among the most vulnerable in every way, surviving day by day, adapting to the harsh reality of war. Currently, all government support programs have been discontinued, and people survive largely thanks to volunteer aid.
On Saturday afternoon, we arrived in the village of Zakamyanka. We gathered the most vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, the sick, the unemployed, and young families. We are well known here and in nearby villages, having visited several times with ophthalmologists, water, and food supplies. So, we continue to do everything we can.
In addition to distributing food packages, we completed our fourth and final trip to the village of Hrushivka, serving the entire community. This is the largest settlement we have visited so far.
We were at the local clinic, where the community administration invited us to provide as much help as possible, including ophthalmologist consultations and distributing and fitting eyeglasses. Before the war, the village had around 3,000 residents; now, half remain. At the beginning of the war, it suffered severe shelling but later became quieter when the occupying forces were pushed back.
We have done everything we can for now. The village is large, and there are many in need. We promised that no one would be overlooked; everyone will receive help and the time we can give them.
In addition to activities in the district, we provided aid to residents from our Nikopol aid center. We continue to distribute food packages and drinking water to those in our care. Over the past week, we distributed 60 food packages, 100 pairs of eyeglasses, and 3,000 liters of drinking water.
PAVLOHRAD
Internally displaced people (IDPs) from Pokrovsk and the surrounding area continue to arrive in the city. This week, at the request of the city council, we were able to provide warm clothing for those who have relocated from the evacuation zone. We were inspired by their heartfelt gratitude for the support.
We also heard many stories from the displaced. Ira arrived from Toretsk in March 2022, right after the fighting began. She is a single pensioner, and the biggest challenge has been finding housing. Since then, she has moved five times, driven by constantly rising housing prices. Unfortunately, we cannot help with that. With the ever-increasing costs of rent, there is little or nothing left for food and clothing. She is extremely grateful for the food assistance.
SYNELNYKOVE
In Synelnykove, one of the most active Territorial Aid Centers of “Step With Hope” is operating. People are deeply thankful to the volunteers and organizers of this noble mission. They understand the difficult situation and support each other as best they can.
INGULETS
This time, we also reached Ingulets, where we met a family of refugees from Donetsk region, Pokrovsk district, Malynivka village. They arrived with only one bag. There are three of them—Mykhailo, Maria, and their daughter Viktoria. They live on disability pensions and are extremely thankful for the bread provided by “Step With Hope” and all those who assist them.
KRYVYI RIH
We continue our regular Wednesday meetings, offering spiritual, psychological, and social support to IDPs and local residents in Kryvyi Rih. At the homeless shelter, we met Hennadiy, who suffers from frostbite and is now permanently disabled, unable to work and support himself. He, along with others in similar life situations, expressed profound gratitude for the food support.
There are people in this world who are genuinely happy for just a loaf of bread. Many are left without homes, jobs, and any sense of security for the future. They are grateful for a loaf of bread and are willing to wait in line for it, which shows the dire need they are in.
SOFIYIVKA
The House of Mercy for the elderly, disabled, and frail pensioners left no one in our volunteer team indifferent during our visit. The administration of the institution expressed deep gratitude to “Step With Hope” and our partners at Ukraine TrustChain for supporting the residents.
This week, we also opened a center for psychological and social support from “Step With Hope” in Sofiyivka. We held three meetings with different groups, totaling 100 attendees.
KAMYANSKE, MOGYLYOV VILLAGE
This week, we received many messages of gratitude that we want to share with you.
“My name is Lidiya Vasylivna, I’m 83 years old. I arrived on April 13, 2022, from the village of Netaylove, Pokrovsk district, Donetsk region. At the start of the war, I hesitated to leave, but after a shell hit our yard on April 7, 2022, destroying our home, my grandson insisted we leave. So, I ended up in Kamyanske with my grandson and daughter-in-law, renting a two-room apartment. A big thank you to the sponsors for the help—without it, life would be very hard.”
“I’m Alla Ivanivna, evacuated from the Mariinsky district of Donetsk region, from Novomykhaylivka, after an explosive wave destroyed my home. A rocket hit the neighbor’s house, but the explosion was so powerful that it also destroyed mine. I was evacuated to Kamyanske, where I now live in a rented apartment. Thank you so much to those who reach out with help and support, and especially for the delicious bread.”
MOGYLYOV VILLAGE
Around 300 displaced people from various parts of eastern Ukraine live here. Some left in 2022, others in 2023, and some have only recently arrived. They live in a former children’s camp with three buildings, two of which are fully occupied by IDPs. People here are facing extremely difficult circumstances. Some travel to Kamyanske for work, while others work in the fields. They survive as best they can, and there are many children. Due to the challenging situation, we brought 240 food packages, which were distributed almost immediately.
VERKHOVTSEVE
Verkhovtseve is technically a town, but almost every other person is living in difficult circumstances because there are no factories and no real infrastructure. It’s just small houses, with no apartment buildings. The people here are also in need of constant assistance.
“I am pensioner Larysa Ivanivna. I live alone, and sometimes my children help me a little, because my pension only covers medicine and utilities. Today, I received a food package. Thank you to the sponsors, I am very grateful!”
