The owner of two houses and an apartment lives at the Adaptation Center for the Homeless and Persons Released from Places of Deprivation of Liberty, run by the charitable organization "Light of Hope."
54-year-old Serhiy recently moved into a shelter. He is originally from Druzhkivka, in the Donetsk region—a town currently located 10–20 km from the front line.
"Living there had become unbearable. You couldn't get a decent night's sleep, nor could you even go outside. Drones are constantly flying around. Human bodies might be lying right out on the street. My nervous system just couldn't take it anymore," the man recalls.
Serhiy has lived in Druzhkivka his entire life. In the autumn of 2025, he buried his parents there, and subsequently decided to leave—even though he owns property in the city, including what he inherited from his parents. However, the town is under constant attack from FPV drones, guided aerial bombs, and artillery.
Late this spring, he moved to Kramatorsk and rented an apartment. He lived there for about three months.
"In Kramatorsk, things started unfolding just as they had in Druzhkivka. I kept wondering what to do next. There was uncertainty..." says Serhiy.
The man was helped to evacuate. During his time in Kramatorsk, he had exhausted his financial resources. Consequently, he settled in Poltava at our Adaptation Center, where accommodation is provided to clients free of charge.
"We also helped Serhii sign a declaration with a family doctor. He underwent basic medical check-ups. We provided guidance on how to apply for state financial assistance for internally displaced persons. He has already submitted the necessary documents—and has started a job," notes social worker Alla Irzhevska.
The man is working and saving up for future rent. In the meantime, he is living at the Adaptation Center, getting to know Poltava, and—for the first time in a long while—is able to get a good night’s sleep.
The Center’s activities are carried out with the support of the "Turbota" social security and social protection program of the Poltava City Territorial Community.
