Olena Shulika, a 65-year-old former apparatus operator from Sievierodonetsk, Luhansk oblast, moved into apartment 23.1A at Senior Chudo Village on November 18, 2024. Before the war, Olena dedicated 45 years to working at a chemical enterprise. She lived in an inherited apartment with her mother after her husband’s passing, caring for the elderly woman and enjoying trips to the village and walks together.

When the war began, Olena’s mother refused to evacuate, and Olena found herself running between the apartment and the basement during constant bombardments. Unable to move her mother, Olena endured hours of separation, fearing for her safety. In late February, their building’s roof was destroyed, and water flooded the apartment. With all utilities gone, Olena could only prepare buckwheat with boiled water. As the water level reached 20 cm and the military began digging trenches preparing for street battles, Olena finally convinced her mother to leave with neighbors during a massive shelling.

Volunteers took them to Dnipro, and they later moved to Pisochyn, Kharkiv oblast, where they lived with kind people but faced difficult conditions, sleeping on the floor with shared facilities.

Olena received a call from Oleksandra, who asked additional questions before approving her application, bringing immense joy. Upon arrival at Senior Chudo Village, Olena was overwhelmed with emotion, especially appreciating the bed after two years on the floor.

Olena suffers from systemic scleroderma, Raynaud’s disease, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid dysfunction. Her plans involve living happily and waiting for victory. She advises the youth that challenges make them stronger and not to let difficulties break them.

Expressing admiration for Dell Loy Hansen’s mission, Olena highlights the organization’s quick response to the needs of displaced persons. She believes elderly evacuees primarily need housing and suggests inviting doctors more frequently and adding a bus stop to the village. Olena volunteers, participates in a creative circle, and is willing to take on any work to help the community.