Thanks to the "Suspended Lives in Ukraine" project, the Daughters of Charity have been able to welcome many refugees fleeing the war, while continuing to support the vulnerable people of Smotrych.

"The poor people we were helping before the war felt safe, they knew that despite their difficult situation, we would continue to serve them. We were able to continue buying basic foodstuffs at the market or from the local population, because it's cheaper.

We also bought firewood from local residents and brought it directly to the most needy so they could prepare a hot meal for themselves." Sr Z*

"At the same time, we are continuing our home visits, especially to the new refugees from eastern Ukraine who have chosen to live in Smotrycz. The refugees have received winter clothing and basic necessities. As there are often electricity shortages, we have also distributed candles and torches to them so that they can at least have some light in the house at night."

"Our gratitude is immense. The people from eastern Ukraine who came to see us didn't know the Daughters of Charity before, they didn't know who we were. But they accepted our help because they had no way of living. After a few days, they began to wonder why we were helping them so selflessly. They began to think of God with our help and they realized that God cares about them and they didn't lose hope." Sr Z*

The project benefited around 100 people: 40 inhabitants of Smotrych and neighboring villages, 60 refugees from eastern Ukraine (mainly women with young children or elderly people).

An example of a beneficiary

 "Like many refugees, Mrs Galina fled Bashmut at the end of 2022 and arrived in Smotrych with her husband and two sons,
one of whom is disabled."

 They lived in a shelter for nine months, as the city of Bachmut was constantly bombed. In the end, they fled with only what they had on them, without even taking any money.

"It was very difficult for them to leave the town and the family home they had built with their own hands. They took the decision to flee when the air raids were at their height, knowing that if they stayed, they would be confronted with death lurking everywhere.

The family had to give up everything they had. Mrs Galina and her family managed to leave the city and stay alive. They arrived in a more peaceful, if still dangerous, region, like the whole of Ukraine. Mrs Galina came to the House of Mercy to seek help for her whole family."

Living under constant stress for long periods of time has greatly weakened the family. Nevertheless, they were able to stay in a house in the village of Kryniczany, which had not been lived in for 15 years and was completely empty.

"We helped them buy food and comforters, and furniture from people of good will. The family began to clean the house so that it could be lived in, modestly but safely." Sr Z*

Shortly after leaving Bahmut, Mrs Galina learned that her house had been completely bombed.

Mrs. Galina thanks God she survived, as most of her neighbors are dead, and only a few managed to escape. We are constantly helping this family so that they have enough to eat, as well as basic necessities. 

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your financial support, which has enabled us to help refugees and local populations during the ongoing war. Thank you for your immediate and selfless response to this difficult situation.
God truly cares for his people and does not leave them abandoned." Sr Z*