News from Ukraine

Over 1000 days on since the start of the large-scale conflict on 24 February 2022, we bring you an update on the actions taken by Emmaus Oselya (Lviv).  The group continues to run projects to assist the most vulnerable thanks to their determination and the support of all the Emmaus groups through the Ukraine Fund, managed by Emmaus Europe.

Since the start of the conflict, Emmaus Oselya has been there to help different groups of extremely vulnerable people. This includes homeless people, who have increased in number since 2022, and people from the east of Ukraine, displaced persons and families from conflict zones.

Every Thursday, the group distributes hot meals (soup, tea, bread) to around one hundred people.

The number of people who come every day to the social support centre is constantly on the rise. At the centre, they can find something to eat, have a shower, talk to the organisation’s psychologist or see a doctor. They can also get a haircut or find warm clothes for the winter. This centre, which is one of a kind in Ukraine and was financed to the tune of €285,000 by Emmaus Europe via the Ukraine Fund when it was built in 2022, has become a benchmark praised by the public authorities. Some doctors come from Kyiv to provide free treatment at the centre.

Every week, some twenty families take part in workshops set up by the organisation’s psychologists to address the trauma caused by the conflict.

Lastly, the organisation still needs to make more room to welcome companions forced to flee the conflict. There were 15 in 2020, 30 in 2022 and the community is now home to 36 companions.

The ongoing, unwavering support from Emmaus Europe and European groups

Every month, the Ukraine Fund (managed by Emmaus Europe and replenished by the Emmaus groups) finances the distribution of hot meals, and a large part of the operating costs of the social centre (€4,000/month), which amounts to approximately €50,000/year.

In addition, the financing of longer-term projects enables the group to develop economic activities and provide better care for those being supported.

In October 2024, the Ukraine Fund financed the renovation of its furniture workshop, so that the organisation could expand its activities (€16,000). Thanks to an additional donation of €10,000 from Emmaus Longjumeau, via Emmaus Europe, the organisation was able to renovate and extend its second-hand shop and improve the therapy workshop space for families (July 2024).

Future projects

Oselya’s determination is not waning, despite the uncertainties pertaining to the election of Donald Trump in the United States, and the very challenging situation on the frontlines. In 2025, the organisation would like to renovate the apartments to accommodate 11 people (€20,000 is required for the renovation work), install solar panels to reduce energy use (approximately €6,000) and develop a solidarity kitchen project, for regular customers and beneficiaries to be able to meet and have lunch free of charge.

If your Emmaus group is interested in helping finance these projects, please contact Emmanuel ! Financial needs are not lacking and will exceed the amount in the Ukraine Fund, which currently totals €185,000.

The support of all the European groups for Ukraine is one the most treasured gifts for the Oselya group. This support boosts their determination and its effects are still being felt after nearly three extremely difficult years. Our heartfelt thanks to them for their trust.