In Volyn, Rokada helps internally displaced Ukrainians to arrange homes
During two years, the regional office of Rokada in Volyn region repaired and updated more than a hundred houses for internally displaced Ukrainians from among vulnerable categories. The program also operates in Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Vinnytsia and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.
Most of the repairs the team conducts in houses that already purchased people with IDP status and belong to vulnerable categories: internally displaced with disabilities, single mothers, families with many children.
“There is a specially developed point system, according to which we determine the necessity of help to a family. We do not carry out capital repairs. Improvement occurs of already existing living conditions. For example, arrangement of bathrooms, replacement of windows, etc. That is, we ensure minimal standards for comfortable living in a house, – explains the engineer of the regional office of Rokada in Lutsk Karyna Shostak. – This year we, in particular, pay attention also to whether the family that needs help has purchased the house. If yes – this is an understanding for us that people plan to remain in the community, and therefore it is about long-term nature of decisions. Also we help in ensuring basic needs, such as access to drinking water, etc.”
An old house in the Kovel district, which needed replacement of windows, doors, power grid and heating – became a shelter for the Stoynovs’ family from Kostiantynivka. The first winter in it was not easy.
“It was very difficult and cold. Especially, understanding that the wiring might not withstand the load. But now, thanks to Rokada, I am not afraid that something will short-circuit. And the main thing, the daughter has a decent housing and a safe place where she will grow up,” – tells 44-year-old Olena Stoynova.
At the beginning of summer, the family received help – succeeded to update the power grid, replace the entrance doors and windows, install the electrical panel.
“Rokada literally extended a hand of help. We did not hope that such is possible in our time. The team showed humanity, did not leave us alone with problems, – tells the woman. – Ahead still enough work catches, but we will cope. That what Rokada did, – is very valuable.”
