I believe that most people feel uncomfortable seeing others suffer. And most people, after all, have empathy.
That is, they understand their own needs, understand what causes them suffering, and can recognize the same in others.
Everyone wants to live in a clean private room. To have the chance to use a clean toilet, take a shower, or a bath.
Few people would want to live in the same room with a dozen strangers. To go to the shower together, to stand in a long line for a dirty restroom. Everyone wants personal space — in an apartment, a yard, or near the house.
When I first visited a psycho-neurological institution (PNI) in 2007, I realized that people cannot live in prison-like conditions. And we cannot call ourselves a civilized country if we cannot ensure a normal life for people with disabilities.
Since 2010, we have been creating small, comfortable homes for children and adults with disabilities. People finally had a HOME. Proper furniture, bathrooms, conditions for privacy. Personal belongings that no one steals. A nice yard with flowers, a garden, and a vegetable patch where they could grow something for themselves.
In 2022, five houses remained in the occupied territories (though in Kalynivka they continue to function under occupation).
In 2023, we created the first supported living house in the Cherkasy region, in the village of Shcherbynivka. Now Maksym and Sasha live there, while in the neighboring house live Vitalii and Natalia (who also previously lived in psycho-neurological institutions), together with their daughter Anya.
Thus, today Helpus — the Fund for Adults and "Happy Child" take care of 4 adults with disabilities and 1 child. From the state, the residents of the houses receive a meager pension, many times less than funding in PNIs. Everything else is the help we provide thanks to your donations. On average, this is about 20–25 thousand UAH per month for social support, extra food, payment for the Internet, and utilities. This is very little to cover basic needs. And even these funds are very hard for us to raise.
Maksym and Sasha, Vitalii and Natalia — live in the community, in normal conditions, only thanks to our and your efforts. And it depends only on us whether they can continue to live a dignified life in their own home.
We would be grateful for your support — in the form of donations, food, clothing and shoes (in good condition), or building materials.
Also, we REALLY need informational support from the media — so that more people can learn about the project and support it.
Write or call: +380665133435 (Albert, all messengers).
You can help right now —
