We continue to write the history of our PrykhystOK in Uzhhorod, and this history is about people, their destinies, and above all, the part of them that is personified by the way from their home to Uzhhorod. Unfortunately, by default, the context of these displacements is the russian-Ukrainian war, and it is also the reason for the activities of the Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya aimed at creating conditions for temporary residence of internally displaced persons.

Meet Svitlana Bondarchuk from Odesa region. She lives in PrykhystOK with her two minor children.

"I’ve been to Zakarpattia many times, including Uzhhorod, because of my work. We were here even before the full-scale invasion, but we returned to our native village. And when enemy shells started flying over the house in February, there were two options: to go to my husband in Odesa or to return to Zakarpattia, where we had friends. Given the security situation in Odesa, the choice was obvious", says Svitlana.

At first, the woman and her children lived with friends in Uzhhorod, then in a dormitory, where, according to her, it was both uncomfortable and dangerous because of the number of people and frequent cases of aggression among the residents.

"Those were difficult conditions... A shared shower room on four floors, constant quarrels, fights, police visits... We lived there for more than a year. I was distracted from the situation by volunteering, which I had been doing here in Uzhhorod from the very beginning. Then, fortunately, this Shelter came along. And it came at the right time, because I wanted the children to be able to live in warmth and feel more comfortable in winter. I had an idea to go abroad with my children, was interested in this issue, saved money, but I got sick, and these savings were spent on treatment. Then payments for IDPs were canceled in our region, and we found ourselves in a situation where we could really stay on the street, because renting a house in Uzhhorod is very expensive. Because of all these circumstances, we are extremely happy to have the opportunity to stay at the Shelter, to gather and think about where and how to move forward. The PrykhystOK is now part of our new reality", the woman notes.

Svitlana works as an online dispatcher for a logistics company. From the very beginning, she enrolled her children in a local school so that they could socialize and learn in a normal environment of their peers. Talking to Svitlana, you notice what has become a priority for parents – a warm school with electricity during blackouts, a bomb shelter where lessons can be held during air raid alarm.

"I was lucky with my children. They help me to survive all this and help me in everyday life, they study well, make friends with new acquaintances. I work, go to church, and this helps me. I like Uzhhorod and Zakarpattia, the climate is suitable, and the people around me are helpful, but there is still a problem with housing. Because of this, we still have to think about some backup options. Right now we are happy with what we have and thankful for the opportunity to have peace of mind, to deal with the accumulated problems, to resume communication with friends who were also scattered around the world...", Svitlana concludes.

On the day of our conversation, the Shelter was holding a Christmas master class, which Svitlana and her children participated in. In general, the PrykhystOK is a place where you can feel comfortable and safe, and, if necessary, receive legal and psychosocial support, as well as join useful and informative activities.