Rebuilding bit by bit in Chernihiv Oblast
Residents in Chernihiv Oblast endure near-constant shelling. Just north of Ukraine’s capital city, bordering Russia and Belarus, life in the region, in the midst of an invasion, is extremely difficult. Despite the challenges, the community is gradually adjusting to what has become the new normal. Still, there are many in Chernihiv who urgently require WCK’s aid. Some have lost their homes and are forced to seek refuge in places without basic amenities. Others continue to live in or near their homes, and endure frequent shelling as they struggle to afford basic food.
International organizations and the local government supporting people who want to rebuild their war-damaged homes. Even with Russian offenses still a part of everyday life, many in Chernihiv Oblast are working hard to repair and reclaim their homes and community buildings.
Dmytro is WCK’s local coordinator in Chernihiv, and he has first-hand knowledge of the community’s struggles. He used to own a restaurant in the city called Mangal Menu, which had to close because of Russia’s invasion. Still Dmytro, like so many in Ukraine, stays focused on the future. “We’re rebuilding bit by bit,” he says, “and we stay positive.”
We’re rebuilding bit by bit and we stay positive.
Dmytro
WCK Local Coordinator in Chernihiv
WCK is currently providing 10,000 hot meals each month across Chernihiv Oblast. The demand has decreased over time as people have started to rebuild and cook for themselves when sporadic utilities and other resources allow. However, a significant portion of the population still relies on WCK’s support.
Chernihiv resident Halyna is thankful for WCK’s meals. “The food is delicious, I like all your dishes,” she said. “I really like that it’s hot because they still can’t bring gas to my floor. I remember when it was cold outside and you guys brought hot borscht. It was like a holiday!”
I remember when it was cold outside and you guys brought hot borscht. It was like a holiday!
Halyna
Resident of Chernihiv
Oleksandr and his wife are living in a modular structure on their property. Their house lies in rubble after being destroyed by Russian shelling, with the stove resting in pieces near what used to be their kitchen—a stark visual of the importance of providing food aid.
“We live in a modular house that we built on our land, but there is only one room,” said Oleksandr. “No kitchen, no toilet, only a place to sleep. Everything else is outside.” The hot meals WCK delivers help the couple get by day to day. “I really like the food, it’s just like in a restaurant,” said Oleksandr. “My wife goes to get these fresh, warm meals every day.”
WCK’s coordinators in Chernihiv—Dmytro and Artem—try to keep the menu as varied as possible. Our teams provide balanced and nourishing dishes throughout the week that include side dishes and salads. “People are very happy and sincerely grateful to WCK and donors, to everyone,” said Dmytro.
Left: Oleksandr eats a WCK meal in the rubble of his home. | Right: Dmytro (left) and Artem (right), WCK’s local coordinators in Chernihiv.
The village of Progres is located just over three miles from the Russian border and is now home to only 36 residents. This small community faces frequent enemy fire, ranging from sporadic attacks to full-fledged shelling. On one single day in June, the village experienced 14 explosions that damaged homes and essential infrastructure, leading to partial power loss.
The constant threat of drone attacks is very real as bombs occasionally drop near houses, causing residents to live in constant anxiety. Humanitarian aid in the village is scarce due to safety concerns and most residents are seniors who rely on homegrown produce from gardens and local farms.
In June, WCK delivered nearly 1,000 food kits to 29 villages, like Progres, along the border in Chernihiv Oblast. This aid reached 1,526 people, providing much-needed support in these challenging times.
WCK delivers food kits in Progres.
In December 2023, WCK’s team received acknowledgment from the Mayor of Chernihiv for the work we have done to support the region. For over a year, we have been delivering hot meals to the residents of the city of Chernihiv from our local restaurant partners Hata Tata and Orange Bar. In total, the team has provided over 148,000 meals to 20 locations in the city, including areas destroyed since the start of the war. WCK’s Emergency Response Team in the city started working in February 2023 to provide meals to people living in temporary houses in the city. We plan to continue supporting families in Chernihiv Oblast for as long as we are needed.
Help us continue supporting people living in Ukraine.
