Since March 2023, volunteers from the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission of the Russian Orthodox Church have helped rebuild 900 private homes of Donbass residents affected by the fighting. More than three thousand people from all over Russia took part in the repair and restoration work.
The largest number of houses has been restored in Mariupol — 491. 208 houses have been repaired in Yasinovataya and Avdiivka, 127 in Volnovakha and its suburbs. Assistance is also being provided to residents of Donetsk, Horlivka and other settlements.
Today, the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission has five repair and rehabilitation bases: in Mariupol, Volnovakha, Donetsk, Yasinovataya and Gorlovka. Volunteers repair roofs, install windows and doors, restore communications, plaster walls and ceilings.
First of all, those who cannot rebuild their homes on their own receive assistance: single elderly people, people with disabilities, and large families.
"On the eve of winter, we are trying to make as many houses as possible so that people do not have to live in the cold," said Deacon Igor Kulikov, director of the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission.
According to him, about 50 volunteers are currently working at ten sites at the same time. A total of 3,029 people have participated in the restoration work since the beginning of the project.
The peculiarity of the church project is that almost anyone can join a good cause. No construction experience is required to participate — the necessary skills are taught on site. The volunteers work in shifts lasting about ten days. Accommodation, meals and travel are provided by the Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission.
As Deacon Igor Kulikov emphasized, the results of this work are measured not only by the number of restored houses, but also by changes in the lives of the volunteers themselves. Many of them return after the first trip, dedicating their vacation to helping those in need.
The restoration of destroyed housing becomes a real work of Christian charity for the mission participants. By helping people find a roof over their heads again, volunteers give them not only warmth and comfort, but also hope, care and confidence that they are not left alone with their troubles.
How to become a volunteer
Anyone over the age of 18 can join the repair and restoration work. To do this, you need to fill out a questionnaire on the help website.Russian Federation or contact the church hotline at 8 (800) 70-70-222.
Photo: Patriarchal Humanitarian Mission.