UKRAINE. FAMILIES IN WAR ZONE NEED URGENT HELP.

Every war story is not just a statistic of destroyed houses or displaced people. These are real people whose lives are divided into “before” and “after”. Every mother has her own pain, her own losses, but also her own incredible strength to fight for her children and their future.

The Way Home Foundation becomes a shelter every day for those left homeless, without support and without hope. Thanks to your help, we can not only provide shelter, food or consultations, but also return the most important thing - a sense of security and faith in tomorrow.

In this report, we share three short stories of women who found shelter with us (names were changed). Their journey is evidence that your contribution turns despair into hope, and despair into a new beginning.

Svitlana, 48 years old

Before the war, we lived in Kherson, had a quiet life and faith in the future. But the daily shelling destroyed our home and forced us to make a decision to save our children. In July 2023, we moved to Odessa, not having confidence in the future. At first we lived in a hostel, then with my sister, rented housing on payments for displaced persons. When these payments stopped, we were actually left without a roof over our heads.

At the most difficult moment, we were advised to contact the “Way Home” Foundation. It was here that we received housing, support and understanding. For my family, this was a real salvation. Thanks to the help of the fund, we were able to feel safe, restore faith in people and build our lives again.

I am sincerely grateful to the fund team for their care and for giving us hope in the darkest time.

Yana, 36 years old

The war destroyed my life in Bucha. I lost my home, my family, and was left with only my little son in my arms. After the evacuation, we changed 15 cities and towns, sought shelter even abroad, but due to problems with documents we had to return. In Odessa, we spent two nights at the train station until volunteers brought us to the Way Home Foundation.

Here we received a roof over our heads, food, medicine, legal and psychological support. My son was able to go to a kindergarten at the foundation, and I began to restore my documents. Thanks to the help, we felt cared for and safe again.

I am grateful to the Way Home team for their support and for giving us a chance to believe in the future again.

Olga, 34 years old

I am a mother of two children — Vlad, 8 years old, and Anna, 6 years old. We lived in a village in Kharkiv region, in our own house, but the war destroyed our home and forced us to flee. We moved from city to city, staying in Ukraine due to problems with documents. The children have asthma, and each change of place only worsened their condition.

In 2024, my life changed even more. My husband began to show aggression and raise his hand against me and the children. In November, I decided to run away: we left home with the children and spent the first night at the train station in Kyiv. Later, I found a small apartment, got a job, but the salary was not enough even for basic needs.

In search of help, I turned to various organizations, but received refusals everywhere. Only in the Way Home Foundation did we receive acceptance, listening and support. Today we live in the foundation, my daughter attends a children's Hub, I receive help from a lawyer and psychologist, as well as support from a settlement manager. Ahead is resolving documentary issues and finding my own housing.

Despite all the losses and pain, I retained the main thing - strength for the sake of the children. I felt that we are not alone, and I believe that we have a new life ahead of us, where there will be peace, security, and love.

Links:

• More and more Ukrainian children are showing symptoms... (it)