Rebuilding Hope Together
In Uzhhorod, Ukraine
November 9th, 2022 | One Collective
Around the world today, people face incredible challenges, and knowing the right way to help when situations are complicated can be challenging. When communities or people face moments of crisis - having context and relationships already established is a critical part of providing support that is impactful and sustainable.
That’s why even before the current conflict began your support was empowering the work happening in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Following the ways of Jesus, our team and community Catalyst Doug were already working in partnership with 14 local churches and 21 local organizations on holistic support across the city - helping to create sustainable solutions for people on the margins of society.
“Even before the war, the team in Uzhhorod had put together an alliance of 40 churches and organizations. Together, we were addressing physical, social, and spiritual needs... This work included programs that provided discipleship to local and international university students, job skills training, visiting and praying in under-resourced communities, and supplying clean drinking water and vital medicines.”
On February 24th, 2022, Doug and the team were there to see first-hand the repercussions of the invasive attack by Russia, as millions of Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes and their country seeking shelter and safety. Of those seven million refugees, nearly one-third remained in Ukraine as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), desperate to defend and eventually rebuild their homeland.
“What can we do about this?” Doug asked himself and Jesus. As the influx of IDPs and refugees, mostly from Kyiv and Odessa, overflowed into Uzhhorod, the need was clear; temporary housing shelters to accommodate the thousands of people who needed support immediately.
Catalyst Doug Landro and One Collective President/CEO Scott Olson reviewing construction in Uzhhorod.
As shelters quickly filled up, Doug and the team in Uzhhorod began to see more and more family units seeking shelter – women and children who did not want to part from their husbands who were defending the country during this time of war. Temporary shelters helped - but didn’t support the needs of these families long-term. “This wasn’t the healthiest or even the safest thing for them.”
So once again, following the ways of Jesus, One Collective’s team was standing ready to work on solutions. Over the summer, a Tiny Home Project was begun in Uzhhorod. The plans for the homes and the community were drafted by a local architect - and construction, which will be done by local workers, includes 18 tiny homes, fueled by solar energy, with heating, kitchens, bathrooms, furnishings, a community center, a common play area, septic fields, sidewalks, fencing, and parking. A safe, self-contained community where families can stay together in dignity until a time when they can return to their homes and rebuild their nation.
When One Collective President & CEO Scott Olson visited Uzhhorod and the Tiny Home Project earlier this year - he saw firsthand the incredible work being made possible with your support. “I believe with all my heart that this work is going to be life-changing for hundreds, maybe even thousands of people, who right now, have nothing.”
Because of your support, Doug and the team with One Collective were situated in exactly the right place at the right time - ready to provide the community of Uzhhorod and thousands of people with hope in the middle of an incredible challenge. Following the ways of Jesus and because of you - this work continues to grow today. Thank you.
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