Solutions from Ukraine: new transit shelter opens in Zaporizhzhia for people with disabilities and reduced mobility

Recently, in Zaporizhzhia, the East SOS Charitable Foundation joined forces with the "Artak Together to the Dream" charity fund to unveil a new transit shelter called "Bez Mezh." This shelter is specifically intended for individuals with disabilities and those with mobility difficulties. It can accommodate up to 21 people at a time and is meant to provide refuge for those evacuated from the frontline areas and de-occupied territories.

"Suspilne" and "East SOS" reported that.

What is the problem?

"East SOS" Foundation has been actively involved in supporting less mobile population groups and people with disabilities since the beginning of hostilities in eastern Ukraine. Provision of temporary housing, social and psychological support, and assistance with evacuation are only part of the programs implemented by the fund in recent years.

This marks the fourth transit shelter established in partnership with the Charity Foundation "East SOS." These types of facilities are currently in operation in both Dnipro and Kharkiv, offering complimentary shelter, meals, and assistance for those who have been evacuated.

What is the solution?

The shelter will be the first stop for evacuees. The territory, rooms, dining room, showers, and toilets are designed for comfortable use by people in wheelchairs.

"Psychologists, lawyers, and social workers of the fund will work here; they will help to stabilize the emotional state, take care of issuing payments, and restore documents. In addition, the fund will provide people with hot meals and hygiene kits. And when we find a place for long-term living in safer settlements, we will transport them further," the accommodation coordinator, Valeriia Kyrpa, explained.

Repair work in the "Bez Mezh" shelter was carried out thanks to donations to the accounts of the East SOS Foundation. The arrangement was implemented within the framework of the project "Heating Points and Evacuation: Providing Assistance to the Affected Population of Ukraine" with the support of Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe.

How does it work?

Twenty-one people can stay in the shelter simultaneously; if necessary, the number of places increases by another eight. The premises have a specialized shower room with a bathbed, three bedrooms, and a dining room. In addition, the shelter is equipped with an inclusive medical bed, which helps people with limited mobility to take an upright position if necessary.

The institution has ten full-time employees, including a driver and a nurse.

Accommodation is free of charge. Residents of the shelter receive food and necessary care.

Valeriia Kyrpa, the resettlement manager at the East SOS volunteer fund, stated that the institution will offer psychological, legal, and social support to those in need. This includes restoring lost documents, disability certificates, and other necessary documentation.

At the moment, there are three individuals residing in the transit shelter. Among them is Albert Hmyrin, who was relocated from Kamianske a year ago due to its proximity to the front. After arriving in Zaporizhzhia, he rented housing but faced financial difficulties that made independent living unfeasible. He contacted volunteers for assistance and will remain in the shelter until the end of March before leaving the country.

According to Valeriia Kyrpa, the collection of applications is still ongoing. Yes, after receiving an application, an interview is conducted with each person, and their needs are determined:

"To accept a person here, we need to talk to each person, understand where the person wants to go, whether we can help this person, how we can help, and each person has a separate story."

^{Photo: East SOS}

By contacting the benefactors directly, one can get evacuation assistance for further placement in an inclusive shelter or any other available shelter.