“HOME OF HOPE”: Fundraising Launched for a Refugee Hub in Kharkiv Region

The CITA Ministry has initiated a fundraiser to equip a refugee hub in the Kharkiv Region. The fundraising goal is 90,000 UAH, with the campaign starting on January 27.

“HOME OF HOPE” is the name of the hub established in a village in the Bohodukhiv district of Kharkiv Region by missionary CITA and local pastor Serhii Tiurikov.

During the first year of the full-scale war, this church-based shelter became a home of hope for at least a thousand displaced people from Kharkiv. Shocked and terrified by shelling, they found essential aid: a place to rest after long journeys, water, food, and words of comfort.

“We supported them with songs and prayers, provided food packages, and arranged accommodations in private village homes,” shares the missionary.

Due to a lack of proper facilities, refugees could not stay longer than a day, especially families with children, as the hub had no kitchen or restroom. Thanks to the efforts and financial support of volunteers from Rivne, a bathroom and restroom facility were constructed.

“As of today, the hub remains under renovation. All available funds are being used to provide food assistance to those in need. Construction and improvement efforts have been temporarily paused,” explains Pastor Serhii.

Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, and the shelter is preparing to receive more waves of displaced people from Kharkiv.

Maryna Poltavets, the regional communications manager for CITA Ministry, has personally visited the hub multiple times with Serhii to meet local communities.

According to her, the region’s infrastructure has suffered severe damage due to combat, and power outages are common. However, the hub has a generator, allowing both refugees and locals to find warmth and shelter.

“The household necessities we are fundraising for—bathroom and kitchen equipment—are basic needs. With these, people staying at the hub can experience at least some level of comfort, especially those fleeing war. I’ve seen firsthand people who hadn’t been able to shower for weeks, who had no access to warm meals or drinks. It’s heartbreaking. Naturally, we wanted to help immediately! That’s why a kitchen and restroom are crucial for this hub.”

“Judging by the course of the war, another wave of displaced people will arrive in the Kharkiv Region. We must be there for them, to support them and meet their basic needs,” Marina adds.

The transit hub “HOME OF HOPE” urgently needs a functioning restroom, including a shower faucet and a urinal.

For the kitchen, the hub requires a sink with a faucet, a cooking surface, cabinets for dishware, and basic appliances such as a stove, microwave, and electric kettle.

You can support HOME OF HOPE with a donation via the link.

“HOME OF HOPE”: How the Support Hub in Kharkiv Region Operates – A Volunteer’s Story

In December 2024, the CITA Ministry organized a Thanksgiving fundraiser for wounded soldiers receiving treatment in hospitals in Ternopil and Mykolaiv. The project raised 12,000 UAH.

CITA Ministry Press Center.