Hrishyna Family
From: Bakhmut, Donetsk region
Family member: Liudmyla (70)

Finding Community Among Fellow Townspeople

Liudmyla Hrishyna lived alone in a one-room apartment in Bakhmut. “Before the war, everything was fine,” she recalls. “From February 24, 2022, everything changed.” As shelling began, she evacuated to Kyiv with a friend. “It was very difficult financially to rent housing,” Liudmyla shares.

She came across an application form, filled it out, and was invited to Miracle Village. Her apartment in Bakhmut was completely destroyed during the fierce battle for the city, leaving nothing for her to return to.

“My life has changed for the better,” Liudmyla explains. “Now I live in a comfortable apartment with all amenities. My physical and emotional state has improved thanks to doctors and the administration. Here, I met fellow Bakhmut residents with whom I worked in our city.”

Finding purpose in her new community, Liudmyla volunteers in the dining hall, helping to serve meals to other residents. After losing her home and struggling financially, she has found not only appropriate housing but also reconnection with former neighbors and colleagues that has helped restore her sense of community and belonging despite the destruction of their shared hometown.