KHERSON REGION. KHERSON
Last week, our team worked actively to support vulnerable social groups. We refueled 12 generators to help sustain energy independence amid challenging conditions. Throughout the week, we also fed a faithful, four-legged friend—a dog who has become “family” and eagerly awaits our visits.
A significant achievement included pest control in 46 rooms, including four large basements, which will reduce health risks and maintain sanitation. Additionally, we carried out disinfection in four rooms and pest extermination in one to help curb the spread of infections and pests. We also provided a resident with rodenticide for personal pest control, tailored to their specific needs. Last week, we also delivered essential medicines and heat pads to those in need for warmth during colder days.
We assisted a group of Americans visiting Kherson to deliver aid to local residents and offer spiritual support, and we safely transported them back to Odesa.
This week, we conducted pest control in around 35 more rooms. However, one act of aid stood out most. Mr. Oleksiy, a man who recently underwent heart surgery before the war, was unable to afford the essential medicines prescribed to him. Surviving the occupation, his home was flooded after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. He cannot find employment, as jobs in Kherson are scarce, especially for older adults. We purchased and delivered his needed medication. He expressed immense gratitude, saying he couldn’t believe he would receive such essential help.
A resident shared, “Thank you. You’ve already come by to treat for fleas, and today you returned for rodent control. Rodents have been a huge issue in our home, and now we hope for peace and safety—especially as food prices are so high. Many thanks, and may God bless you for your good deeds.”
FIREWOOD PROJECT
Shevchenkove, Kupiansk District, Kharkiv Region
At the end of the week, we completed the first shipment of firewood to Shevchenkove in the Kharkiv region’s Kupiansk district. We chose this area due to its proximity to a rapidly shifting frontline, where we cannot predict how events will unfold. We prioritized deliveries while there remains a safe route to Shevchenkove.
Shevchenkove is about 28 kilometers from Kupiansk and hosts a large number of evacuees from the district. With a population of around 15,000, it’s now overcrowded with many displaced families. We identified families most in need of heating assistance—low-income and vulnerable groups such as pensioners, families with children, and isolated elderly individuals. Twenty-five families have already received the first round of assistance, with the next delivery scheduled for tomorrow. We plan to send one or two trucks daily on a rotating schedule.
DONETSK REGION
RODYNSKE
Evacuation from Rodynske. Residents of Rodynske are living without gas, electricity, and water, with no means to leave. Due to the region’s isolation, volunteers rarely visit, and locals have expressed deep gratitude for our help. People cook on stoves in shared entryways and buy even minimal amounts of water for their needs. Homes damaged by shelling suffer from leaking roofs, prompting some to seek evacuation. We organized an evacuation and transported people to the city of Dnipro.
DRUZHKIVKA and KOSTIANTYNIVKA
In Druzhkivka, we provided plastic sheeting to people whose homes were damaged by shelling. We also assisted Nelya, an elderly Armenian refugee, whose home suffered shell damage. She had received four OSB sheets from other volunteers but lacked plastic sheeting, a scarce resource. Our timely arrival greatly relieved her, and she thanked us warmly.
Additionally, we distributed bread in Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka to internally displaced people, individuals with disabilities, low-income residents, and those affected by shelling.
KHARKIV REGION
ZNAMENKA
Internally displaced persons (IDPs), pensioners, individuals with disabilities, low-income families, and large families received aid. One resident, Zoya Ivanivna, 48, shared her gratitude: “Living with my son, times are tough with rising prices and no work. We’re very grateful to receive bread weekly. Many thanks to the Foundation for this help. We also collect bread for ourselves and neighbors. May God bless your foundation, and we wish the organizers good health!” There is a great need for hygiene products and adult diapers.
CHUHUIV and KISHCHITKA
With a rise in shelling targeting both infrastructure and residential buildings, conditions have worsened. Housing shortages for IDPs and lack of funds for roof repairs have become critical. This week, we conducted a thorough assessment of the area, with around 80% of surveyed residents expressing concerns over frequent shelling and power outages. With limited resources to leave, they feel trapped.
This week, we distributed aid to those in most need, including IDPs, individuals with disabilities, large families, pensioners, and the unemployed. Each package provided is not just material support but also a reminder of our care and solidarity. Together, we aim to provide a dignified standard of living and bring a little warmth into each household.
DERHACHI
Our city, close to the border, daily faces the sound of explosions, underscoring the constant threat. Displaced people from active combat zones have found shelter here, bringing stories of survival and loss. The hardships faced by single elderly residents, mothers with young children left without partners, and low-income and displaced individuals have intensified. Every bit of support brings hope, and we are met with heartfelt thanks. Together, we help each other through this challenging time.
A resident, Valentyna, 73, shared her story:
“An explosion near our home this week shattered all our windows, causing major damage. I spend a lot on medication, so I’m very thankful for any assistance.”
BALAKLIYA
This week, we again provided aid to the most vulnerable: pensioners, individuals with disabilities, the unemployed, displaced persons, and those with limited means. The need for basic food, like bread, continues to rise. Each day shows us how crucial support is in these trying times, and the gratitude for each act of kindness reaffirms the importance of our mission.
KRASNOHRAD
Maria Petrovna, 58, a displaced person from Kharkiv, shared her story:
“The dormitory where I lived in Kharkiv is now uninhabitable, forcing me to stay in rented housing. It’s hard to survive on a small pension, so I’m very grateful for the bread provided by your foundation. Thank you very much.”
KUPIANSK
The delivery situation in Kupiansk remains challenging: due to security concerns, the local bakery can no longer deliver bread directly to the city. The nearest point of delivery is 12 km away. However, many people still live in Kupiansk and are in urgent need of supplies. We are actively seeking ways to organize the delivery of bread and other essential food directly into the city. Our team is doing everything possible to support Kupiansk residents in these difficult conditions and to provide basic necessities.
KHARKIV, KAMIANA YAHURA, MALA DANYLIVKA
The situation in this region has significantly worsened, with near-daily shelling causing destruction and leaving people in constant fear. A recent shelling severely damaged a residential building, collapsing the space between the 8th and 9th floors and destroying three apartments. Additionally, debris has damaged an outbuilding, 21 private homes, and four vehicles.
Under constant threat, residents have a high demand for psychological support. This week, our psychosocial support team visited Kharkiv to offer assistance, holding group meetings for adults and individual sessions for those needing private conversations. For children and teenagers, our team organized art therapy, a movie screening, and a birthday celebration for a girl who regularly attends our sessions, bringing some joy and a sense of normalcy.
This week, we also organized a trip to a park for the children, where they enjoyed activities like a rope park. Both children and adults expressed their gratitude for the chance to spend time together and feel a sense of unity and support.
In addition, we continue to support pensioners, displaced persons, low-income families, people with disabilities, and children, addressing basic needs and offering care during these challenging times.
Hanna Tymofiyivna, 85: “Thank you very much for the bread and your care. As a pensioner, a person with a disability, and someone living alone, I deeply appreciate your help. Your support gives me strength and reminds me that I am not alone. May God bless you for your kindness.”
DNIPROPETROVSK REGION
NIKOPOL
This week marked an intensive period of activity for us both in and outside Nikopol. We worked in every direction possible, making the most of the previous week. We are grateful for your support in our region and for the resources that allow us to help a large number of people. Fuel and repairs, in particular, enable us to work more effectively.
At the beginning of the week, we received food kits, which we began distributing to those under our care. We also visited the village of Oleksandrivka in Nikopol district, where we have been assisting for over a year.
Oleksandrivka is a struggling village originally built to house workers in the manganese ore mining industry. During the Soviet era, the local mining plant expanded rapidly, taking over agricultural land and stopping only close to the town of Pokrov. It was this plant that made the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant possible, with manganese ore as its primary raw material. Until recently, the mining plant was a strategic, town-forming enterprise in the region, but now it is in decline, leaving only memories of past strength, vast areas of overworked soil, and numerous unemployed residents.
Besides food distribution in the district, we also continued eye care consultations in Marganets, where we assisted about 70 people, distributing glasses from our partners, Restoring Vision.
At our assistance center in Nikopol, we distributed water and food to those in need. Tatiana Bondarenko, a pensioner and cancer patient in remission, responsible for a mentally ill daughter, expressed her gratitude. Although she hides her tears, she is genuinely appreciative of the support she receives.
One evening, our volunteer Slavik noticed a disabled man, Viktor, struggling with his old Moskvich car on the roadside. Viktor’s and his wife’s faces were covered in soot, their eyes full of worry. Despite communication difficulties, Slavik tried to assist, but after several unsuccessful calls to mechanics, he had to leave, distressed at the situation. Later, moved by thoughts of how he would have felt if it had been his own father, Slavik returned to Viktor’s aid, helping him reach a nearby village safely.
In total, over the week, we distributed 50 food kits, 3,000 liters of water, and around 100 pairs of glasses. We are also thrilled to have purchased a set of tools for car repairs, which will significantly improve and speed up our work.
PAVLOHRAD
Trips between Pavlohrad, Dnipro, and Pershotravensk allowed us to collect, transport, and distribute humanitarian aid, including hygiene items, clothing, and treats for children’s programs.
Overall, 30 displaced persons and families in need were supported, 92% women and 8% men.
Pavlohrad is experiencing an increase in displaced persons from Pokrovsk and surrounding areas in Donetsk. This migration has strained the local economy and created challenges in the housing and job markets.
Lyudmila came to Pavlohrad from Pokrovsk with her son, a person with a third-degree disability, due to intense shelling in their hometown. With high rental prices, life is difficult, but she is deeply grateful for the financial and moral support she has received.
NOVOMOSKOVSK, MAGDALYNIVKA
This week, we visited Kozirshchyna near Pereshchepyne for ophthalmology consultations and to distribute glasses from Restoring Vision.
We also transported and distributed humanitarian aid in the form of food kits, including 80 kits (600 kg), canned goods, grains (300 kg), secondhand clothing, and glasses from Restoring Vision.
KRYVYI RIH
From October 23 to 27, we made trips in and around Kryvyi Rih, including to Kherson, to provide psychosocial support for displaced and vulnerable groups. We also transported humanitarian aid, including food, hygiene items, blankets, clothing, bread, and food kits, totaling approximately 2.4 tons.
KAMYANSKE
Volunteer work in Kamyanske this week was intense, involving transportation of humanitarian aid, delivery of bread across the city, and transporting volunteers to ensure operations ran smoothly. The center coordinated car maintenance in Dnipro, allowing volunteers to efficiently distribute food kits and bread to displaced and socially vulnerable people. The children’s center, “Smile”, offered activities, and charity meals were provided to those in need. The center also provided laundry services, psychological support, and even massage therapy, giving residents vital resources and care.
“My name is Liliya, 52, from Progress village, Donetsk region. I arrived in June 2024 with my husband, who is disabled after three strokes, and my 78-year-old father, who recently had a heart attack. My mother died from shrapnel wounds. Both my apartment and my father’s house were destroyed. This is the first time I’ve received humanitarian aid from the ‘Step with Hope’ foundation, and I want to express my gratitude for the support that has become essential for us. I sincerely wish you all health and peace.”
DNIPRO CITY
The week ended with tragic events in Dnipro. On Friday night, there were several attacks across the city, including on a hospital and residential area, resulting in casualties and injuries. Within minutes of the incident, our rapid response team decided to go to the scene to help those affected. We set up tents for psychological support and organized hot meals and drinks, which were crucial in the cold weather. We arranged rotating shifts of volunteers to offer continuous support.
IN TOTAL, OVER THE WEEK:
8,600 people were served, and 6,600 people received bread
We distributed 23,050 kg of food, and provided support in the following regions and cities:
Kherson Region: Kherson
Donetsk Region: Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Druzhkivka, Kostiantynivka, Rodynske
Kharkiv Region: Kharkiv, Kamiana Yahuha, Znamianka, Balakliia, Krasnohrad, Chuhuiv, Merefa, Pervomaiskyi, Izium, Derhachi, Shevchenkove, Kupiansk
Dnipropetrovsk Region: Novomoskovsk, Kamyanske, Synelnykove, Kryvyi Rih, Nikopol, Dnipro, Pavlohrad, Magdalynivka, Arkhanhelske, Andriivka, Inhulets, Sofiivka.
