Ihor Sinyavsky, a 60-year-old former lyceum teacher from Rodynske, Donetsk oblast, moved into apartment 13.4B at Senior Chudo Village on December 15, 2024. Before the war, Ihor taught the subject “Defense of Ukraine” and was a master of sports in saber and judo. He was also interested in Eastern and wellness practices and had an engineering education, working as a mechanic. Ihor lived in his own apartment, which he had renovated himself.

Initially reluctant to leave, believing the situation would improve and Ukrainian forces would regain territories, Ihor stayed in the city as long as possible because his son remained there. However, when the shelling became constant, he realized he had to evacuate, finally doing so on December 13, 2024.

For a time, Ihor lived in Dnipro, where a chaplain helped him find temporary housing. However, the conditions were difficult, as he had to share a room with two to three people.

Although Ihor had filled out an application for Senior Chudo Village long ago, he did not believe he would be accepted into the program. It was only when the chaplain advised him to contact Oleksandra, who was in charge of the settlement, that he received the good news.

Ihor was immediately impressed by how well-thought-out everything was in the village, finding it truly comfortable and equipped with all the necessities for living.

Despite some heart problems and deteriorating eyesight, Ihor generally feels well. He intends to stay in the village and lay the foundation for a new life as a retiree.

Ihor’s advice to young people is to prioritize safety, know what they want, and not be afraid to pursue their goals. He believes all plans and actions should be evaluated from a safety perspective.

Having had the opportunity to speak with Dell Loy Hansen personally, Ihor sees him as someone who not only provides material assistance but also creates a genuine community where people feel like family. He views Hansen’s project not as one-sided charity but as an opportunity for those who have lost everything. Ihor expresses immense gratitude for this.

As an elderly displaced person, Ihor emphasizes the need for not only housing but also the opportunity to socialize, be useful, and not feel superfluous.

Ihor actively helps in the village and leads sections. While he believes there is always room for improvement, he feels that advice should come from specialists on the team. However, he strongly advocates for a smoking ban on the territory, considering it very dangerous for the village.