In the basement shelter of a church in Mykolaiv, Mykhailo sits on a bed in the shared room, reading the Bible – this is now his home. He says it helps him cope with the hardships of war, especially now. At the end of December 2024, he evacuated from an island in Kherson to a shelter in Mykolaiv. At that time, the shelling had become too dangerous, and life on the island unbearable.
“We had already gotten used to motors and shells falling around us, but recently, the attacks have become even more precise. Drones hovered over the road, waiting for cars. People were dying right on the highway,”recalls Mykhailo.
For three years, Mykhailo lived at a church on the island, dedicating his time to helping the community and supporting the residents. He assisted the priest, accompanied him on visits around the neighborhood, and offered support to those in need.
But when his brother miraculously survived a drone strike, it became clear — he had to leave. Together with the pastor, he packed his things and left for Mykolaiv. Mykhailo admits that his first night in the shelter was the first peaceful night he had in years.
“I just felt silence and calm, and finally, after three years, I could truly rest. No explosions, no terror. There is care, warmth, and hot food here.”Says Mykhailo.
Energy for warmth and comfort
In the large room where Mykhailo lives, only 8 out of 40 beds are occupied. The women are engaged in various activities: some are making sandwiches, others are writing in notebooks, and some have started their shifts, preparing meals for everyone.
At the church shelter in Mykolaiv, life is bustling in the basement. Shelter manager Sister Natalia says that up to sixty people can be accommodated here. Currently, it is thirty percent full.
“In the first months of the war, people slept directly on the floor because there was no other option,”recalls Natalia.
“These solar panels provide electricity and heating for the basement and help save energy significantly. This is crucial because we never know when people might come seeking help. They can knock on our door even in the middle of the night, and we must be ready to offer them a warm bed, food, and necessities,”Natalia explains.
“I buried my husband in occupation”
Among the shelter residents is 73-year-old Liubov, with only a suitcase beside her bed – all she has left. In December 2024, she fled Kherson, where life had become unbearable.
“I survived the occupation, and it was hell. I buried my husband during that time. I sat by him day and night, with no one to turn to, while Russian soldiers patrolled. I couldn’t leave, but eventually, I had to accept he was gone,” Liubov recalls, her voice heavy.
One night, while staying with a friend, a rocket struck her home, a cruel reminder of the war that had torn her life apart. Now, she finds herself in the shelter, where everything has changed.
In partnership with the Ukrainian organization Youth of Ukraine, With funding from the European Union, solar panels have been installed on the roof.
These solar panels provide both electricity and heat to the people living in the basement, ensuring that they remain comfortable even during power outages. While the rest of the city may experience blackouts, the basement stays warm and functional, offering a vital refuge in times of uncertainty.
The basement gives a sense of security
Walking down the corridor, one can see several rooms. In one, foreign volunteers live, having come to help clear rubble in Kherson. Another small room in the church basement has been home to Alla and her nine-year-old son Bohdan for six months. Like many others, Alla and Bohdan were forced to leave when the situation became unbearable. At first, they moved to Kryvyi Rih, staying with relatives and renting an apartment. But as the fighting intensified, it became clear they couldn’t remain there. The constant shelling took a toll on Bohdan, causing him severe anxiety. After relocating to Mykolaiv, they found refuge in a shelter, where there is warmth, water, and electricity — even during citywide power outages.
“When the war started, it was terrifying — everything was burning, and they entered our town right away. With the military base and airport nearby, the danger was constant. Now, what matters most is that my child can go to school. He’s made friends and feels safe here. The basement, as strange as it sounds, gives us a sense of protection,”says Alla.”
Life in the shelter allows her to finally rest a bit from the constant tension.
About the project:
The project “Winterizing Frontline Communities and Increasing Resilience” is aimed at supporting communities in Mykolaiv and Kherson Oblasts to ensure they have access to essential services during the winter months. The goal is to assist local communities in implementing projects that will improve infrastructure, enhance safety, and ensure access to critical services such as heating, water, and gas. Additionally, the project promotes the use of sustainable energy solutions like solar panels and trailers to provide energy independence. The project is supported by the NGO Youth of Ukraine and funded by the European Union.
