A Journey of Survival

Volodymyr Severyn’s life in Vuhledar transformed overnight. A former sawmill worker now battling a second-group disability, he watched as war consumed his hometown. The joint pain that had already limited his life now seemed trivial compared to the approaching danger.

When the conflict intensified, Volodymyr and his wife made the heart-wrenching decision to flee. Their escape was not dramatic but deliberate—a careful retreat from a life they had known for decades. They separated initially, each finding their own path to safety, the uncertainty of reunion hanging in the air.

Temporary shelter in Boryspil became a waystation between their past and future. The war had stripped away their familiar routines, leaving only survival and hope.

On November 18, 2024, Volodymyr found a new beginning in Senior Chudo Village. Apartment 17.4A became more than just a living space—it was a sanctuary. Despite years of working at the sawmill and a life of hard labor, he now faced a different kind of challenge: rebuilding amid loss.

“It’s unusual for us to receive such help, ” Volodymyr reflects. His words carry the weight of a generation unaccustomed to charity, yet deeply appreciative of kindness. The Hansen Ukrainian Mission had offered more than housing—they had provided dignity.

With limited medical support and health challenges, Volodymyr’s resilience speaks volumes. He may not have grand plans or elaborate stories, but his quiet gratitude is a powerful testament to human endurance.