KHERSON REGION
Kherson. A city that endures against all odds.
Last week, our team completed several critical tasks. We fed two animals, refueled 14 generators, and carried out pest control in three locations, including a large basement. We installed two dehumidifiers to help people whose homes were flooded. In addition, we purchased and delivered a food package, medicine, and personal hygiene items to a person with limited mobility. Even a single flashlight and a few granola bars for someone in need is a small token of care that we strive to provide.
Three districts of Kherson remain without electricity. Due to constant shelling, it is impossible to predict when power will be restored. People are left without light, heat, and water, and in apartments filled with freezing air, pipes are beginning to burst.
This week, we installed a dehumidifier in a home where, due to the cold, the pipes on the second floor burst, flooding the apartment below. Both apartments were unoccupied. It was only thanks to the attentiveness of a neighbor, who lived three blocks away and noticed water pooling near her door, that the problem was discovered in time and addressed.
Mrs. Marina reached out to us because she knew that the “Step with Hope” volunteer team has experience dealing with flood damage—we had previously helped people after the Kakhovka dam explosion. We set up the dehumidifier and are doing everything possible to make these apartments livable again.
Meanwhile, Kherson is now facing an invasion of mice. Their numbers are overwhelming, especially between the first and second floors of buildings. As people evacuate, leaving the city emptier, and humanitarian aid arrives, the conditions for rodents to thrive increase. Now, they don’t just scurry underfoot—they gnaw through apartment walls. Even our own Sasha hasn’t been spared—he has had to set traps in his own home, as the mice have already chewed through the walls of his neighbors’ apartments on both sides.
So the day begins like this: you wake up, gather everything necessary to fight this plague, and go out to help others. Because here, it’s not just someone’s problem—it’s the reality of an entire city where every day of struggle brings us closer to restoring normal life.
DONETSK REGION: KOSTIANTYNIVKA, DRUZHKIVKA
Kostiantynivka…
A city that shakes daily from explosions. The destruction is growing, and the city is being wiped off the map. Buildings, bridges, and roads are heavily damaged. The situation is on the brink of catastrophe—electricity, gas, heat, and water are unreliable.
But even in these conditions, we continue to help. This time, we provided people with bread, glasses, household cleaning supplies, and plastic sheeting.
We distributed bread to those who need it most: pensioners, low-income families, and those affected by shelling. Unfortunately, this may have been our last distribution. A shell struck a neighboring building—everything was destroyed. Our own distribution site was also damaged, with the blast wave tearing off the roof.
Kostiantynivka is grateful for the support we were able to provide.
At the site of another explosion, a deep crater remains.
We brought bread to people during an active shelling and provided them with plastic sheeting to cover shattered windows.
One man told us that his home was also badly damaged, but the most important thing was that everyone survived.
A month ago, we helped a family by providing a walking cane. But it turned out they needed two—husband and wife had been sharing one, taking turns. The wife has a severe disability, making it very difficult for her to move. So this time, we delivered an additional cane.
“Thank you, thank you to the sponsors for this gift! It’s truly essential, especially now with the mud, slush, and snow. My wife relies entirely on this cane to walk. Thank you!”
KRAMATORSK, DOBROPILLIA, OLEKSANDRIVKA
We then embarked on a humanitarian mission to the towns of Kramatorsk, Dobropillia, and Oleksandrivka in Donetsk region.
The frontline situation has worsened over the past week. Dobropillia, just 30 km from Pokrovsk, is experiencing increasingly intense shelling. The sound of artillery is constant, but the remaining residents have become almost desensitized.
Kramatorsk also feels the war. Explosions can be heard, though mostly in the distance.
We delivered humanitarian aid not only to these towns but also to Oleksandrivka, a former district center. In this area, we distributed food packages to those most in need. Each package was carefully allocated based on lists to ensure the aid reached those in critical situations.
KHARKIV REGION
Znamyanka
Vasyl, 77 years old, a pensioner and displaced person. He once lived in Kharkiv but now resides in the village of Znamyanka. He survives on his pension and a small displacement allowance.
“Thank you so much for the bread! It’s a huge help to me. I wish your organization peace and good health!”
Chuhuiv and Kochetok
Marina, born in 1954, a retired woman from Chuhuiv with limited financial means.
“Thank you for your support and care during these difficult times.”
Merefa
Olha lives in Merefa. Her family includes a wounded soldier and a daughter with a disability.
“Thank you for the bread! And thank you to the sponsors who are helping people survive in these hard times of war.”
Krasnohrad
Inessa, 45 years old, living with a disability. A small pension and an urgent need for support.
“A heartfelt thank you to your organization for the help! Bread is a real lifeline in times like these.”
Each act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference. Despite the destruction, we remain committed to bringing relief and hope to those who need it most. Together, we will persevere.
Kharkiv, Kamiana Yaruga, Mala Danylivka
The situation in Kharkiv is becoming increasingly dire, with daily heavy shelling. This past weekend was particularly intense—between Friday night and Saturday morning, the city endured five hours of attacks. Despite the efforts of air defense systems, nine strikes were recorded.
Many homes suffered damage, with windows shattered due to the relentless bombardment. Our team assisted one family in restoring their home, taking care of all issues related to the broken windows. In addition, we supported residents affected by the shelling near their homes.
Helping Children and Youth
The weekend was packed with activities. We organized eight meetings for children and teenagers, along with two tea gatherings that included a charity meal.
- For children, we held an engaging session on “Fascinating Facts About Whales.”
- Teenagers enjoyed a “Board Game Night,” which provided them with an opportunity to socialize in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
- We celebrated the birthdays of all February-born members of our community.
- Every Wednesday and Sunday, we hosted tea gatherings that welcomed up to 50 attendees.
- On Sunday, we organized a charity lunch for youth and children, followed by a paper tulip-making workshop.
The Volodenko Family
Tamara (36 years old) and her daughter Valeria (16 years old) have been part of our community for three years. The war has drastically altered their lives, but their hardships began even earlier.
When Valeria was seven, her father died in a car accident. That same year, a tragic incident occurred at school—she was pushed, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, and spent six months in a coma. Doctors offered little hope, but against all odds, she regained consciousness. However, her health was never the same.
The war only exacerbated their struggles. Tamara lost her job, leaving the family reliant on single-mother social assistance. Thankfully, she recently secured employment.
Last week, a missile strike hit near their home. The blast wave shattered their windows, but, by God’s grace, they were unharmed.
We continue to support this family and many others because, for some, this help is not just food or a warm meeting—it is a lifeline in the hardest of times.
Regional Assistance: Supporting Those in Need
Pavlohrad
Larysa, 76 years old, a retired resident with limited means, shared:
“I am in desperate need of food assistance. I have been attending the program for a long time, and I truly appreciate it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support!”
Kamianske
The volunteer center in Kamianske was bustling with activity: ✔ Bread distribution
✔ Children’s center “Smile”
✔ Charity meals
✔ Laundry services for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and socially vulnerable groups
✔ Massage therapy
✔ Psycho-social programs:
- “Strength in Weakness”
- “Healing Emotional Wounds”
✔ Creative hub “Berehynia”
✔ Clothing distribution for IDPs and vulnerable groups
✔ Free eyeglasses for IDPs and vulnerable groups
Stories of Those Who Received Help
Lyudmyla, 59 years old, resident of Kurakhivka, Donetsk region:
“We didn’t want to leave our home, but after a powerful shelling, our house was half-destroyed. On August 30, 2024, my husband and I fled our hometown. Later, our daughter and her children joined us. I am deeply grateful to the sponsors and the foundation for providing us with food. Thank God for people who care about our fate.”
Olesia, 46 years old, resident of Avdiivka:
“I evacuated in 2022 when the front line was approaching the city. My son and I left our apartment, only to later learn that our building no longer existed. We are now renting a place in Kamianske. Today, I received free eyeglasses, and I can finally read again! I am sincerely grateful to the foundation for their care.”
Iryna, born in 1968, resident of Bakhmut:
“My husband and I endured six months under constant shelling. In August 2022, we relocated to Kamianske to stay with an acquaintance and now rent an apartment. In my free time, I weave camouflage nets for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In these difficult times, I am immensely thankful to the sponsors for their assistance.”
We continue to support those facing extreme hardships and are grateful to everyone who contributes to this cause!