In a modest building on the outskirts of Mykolaiv, a place of refuge called Vidnovlennya (“Recovery” in Ukrainian) opens its doors to those most in need. From the homeless to internally displaced families, individuals struggling with disabilities, and those battling addiction, the centre offers shelter to people from all walks of life. Behind the shelter’s operations is Volodymyr, a dedicated 47-year-old whose mission has remained unwavering for over 20 years: to provide a safe haven for those society often overlooks.
Volodymyr has overseen Vidnovlennya’s evolution from a small shelter for the homeless to a community lifeline for anyone who has nowhere else to go. His compassionate philosophy is simple:
“My life goal is to help others,” he says.
Yet, the realities of his mission are anything but simple.
“We only receive funding to house 40 people, but right now, we’re hosting 90 residents. By winter, I expect that number to grow to around 120.”
DCA-NCA has supported the centre with a brand-new fire alarm system to keep the residents safe and new windows to keep the residents warm during winter. The support is financed by Danida.
“Even if the war stops, I have nothing to go back to. Everything is gone,” explains Vidnovlennya resident, Olha.
Olha fled her flooded home in Kherson
Among these residents are people like Olha, who was forced to leave her flooded, bombed-out home in Kherson, and Vitalii, who lost his house in a drone strike and bears injuries that make mobility difficult.
Their stories are all too common in a war-torn region, and each person who arrives at Vidnovlennya brings a unique story and with it a set of challenges and needs. To meet these demands, the shelter provides a range of support, from psychological services to practical care, recognizing the complex issues its residents face.
“Everyone has a role here”
A significant part of Vidnovlennya’s operations revolves around building a supportive community where each resident contributes in some way. Those able to help take on responsibilities—caring for the center’s animals, cooking meals, or repairing the building.
“Everyone has a role here,” Volodymyr explains, “and it fosters a sense of purpose and belonging.”
This structure helps residents rebuild their confidence and gain stability, even if they are only staying for a short time.
Fire alarm system provided by DCA-NCA
However, managing such a diverse group of people comes with unique risks. Vidnovlennya recently experienced two fires, a grave threat in a place where many residents, due to age or disability, cannot move quickly.
Recognizing the need for better safety measures, DCA-NCA partnered with the organisations Ukrainian Education Platform (UEP) and Youth of Ukraine along with the centre to install a fire alarm and smoke detection system in all rooms. With frequent air raids in the area, this protection is a critical safeguard for Vidnovlennya’s residents. Soon, support will also extend to upgrading all windows with double glazing, improving insulation for the approaching cold months.
The shelter has also built strong partnerships with local authorities, including the police and social services, to help individuals who arrive with no identification or documentation—a common situation for those fleeing violence.
“Many people come without any papers, making it hard for them to register or find temporary housing. We make sure that anyone left behind or struggling to find a place to sleep has a home here,” Volodymyr explains.
About the project
There are still very diverse needs for the war-affected population in Mykolaiv and Kherson Oblasts, located close to the frontline. To address this, DCA-NCA provides grants of 15,000 EUR to local initiatives and Ukrainian organisations such as Vidnovlennya. These grants offer flexible support to meet the specific needs of the community, ensuring that urgent issues are addressed. By supporting local projects, we empower the community to lead their own recovery and build a stronger, more resilient future.
The project is financed by Danida and implemented in partnership with Ukrainian Education Platform, Youth of Ukraine, ADRA Denmark, and ADRA Ukraine.
