By Cassie Pontone | Social Media Manager for the US
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, as of November 2022, more than 2,000 people have been displaced. 580 of those evacuees are children. Some of these individuals, fleeing from areas such as Donbass and other regions currently under attack, were fortunate enough to find refuge in the village of Neslukhiv, near Lviv.
Here they have found a local community that has welcomed them with open arms. Helping to provide food and necessities, the residents of Neslukhiv even offered refugee temporary housing within school buildings and empty apartments or houses. While immediately helpful as temporary solutions, these spaces were never equipped for long term stays. Enter Soleterre.
Together with our partners at the Zaporuka Foundation, we were able to repurpose an unused building within Neslukhiv and begin working on a long-term solution to the community’s housing crisis. Construction on the site began in summer of 2022 and within 5 months, we were ready to open—just in time for the arrival of winter. Thanks to our partners at the Zaporuka Foundation and contributions from the Rosa Pristina Foundation, the BNL Foundation and the Prosolidar Foundation, the building is now a home for families in need.
On November 20, 2022 Casa Soleterre officially opened its doors.
All the 30 apartments are autonomous, are furnished with necessary appliances and have access to communal outdoor spaces complete with playground slides and games for children. Furthermore, the building provides space to host its own clinic for medical visits and regular psychological sessions. Beyond providing a comfortable home, Casa Soleterre offers its residents economic, psychological and social assistance to help alleviate the trauma these families are facing.
At the time of its inauguration, we welcomed 100 individuals comprising roughly 30 families and including children diagnosed with cancer, disabled persons and elderly individuals who needed more than a roof over their heads. Today the shelter is hosting 75 people, including 25 children with 2 cancer patients among them.
While we celebrate this achievement, we know that the struggle for these families is far from over. With the arrival of winter, having a place to call home is an immense comfort, but it is not enough. As the war rages on, necessities are becoming more and more scarce throughout the country and the brutal cold is causing new needs. Soleterre continues to support the families of Neslukhiv, organizing to provide heaters, firewood, food, supplies and sustained psychological support to those already exhausted, traumatized and unprepared for winter’s cold.
We thank you for helping Soleterre to bring safety, stability and hope to the families seeking asylum in Neslukhiv. We hope you will continue to help us this winter in our goal to keep families in Ukraine warm and equipped with the necessary means to carry on.
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