There Is No Home Anymore, but Life Goes On: The Story of a Woman Living in a Collective Center in Kharkiv Region

The heroine of this story is an elderly woman, an internally displaced person from a frontline community in Kharkiv region. She lost her home as a result of hostilities, experienced severe psychological trauma, has limited financial resources, and now lives in a collective center. As a pensioner, she is particularly vulnerable to social isolation and emotional exhaustion.
Before the full-scale war, the woman lived in the settlement of Dvorichna in Kupiansk district, Kharkiv region, and worked as a hospital orderly. However, after the start of the full-scale invasion, her life changed dramatically. She spent eight days in a cellar, unable to go outside. The final shelling was extremely dangerous - people were being killed, and her house was completely destroyed.
The decision to evacuate was unavoidable. Together with her son, she left her hometown, spent some time living with relatives in western Ukraine, and since March 2023 has been residing in a collective center in Kharkiv region.
Since 2025, the woman has been participating in the project “Strengthening the Resilience of Residents of Collective Centers in Kharkiv Region,” implemented by UN Women Ukraine in partnership with Unity Platform NGO. The project is financially supported by the governments of Sweden and Latvia, as well as the national committees of UN Women.
Within the project, she attends group meetings and psychosocial support activities aimed at overcoming the consequences of traumatic experiences and restoring a sense of community.
The project includes the creation of safe spaces in collective centers, support groups, and regular meetings for residents, particularly older women. Participants report reduced anxiety, improved emotional well-being, and restored social connections.
“We are able to distract ourselves a little from the frightening memories. It helps us keep going,” says the heroine.
Olha Averina, Project Director at the partner organization Unity Platform, notes: “Psychosocial support is critically important for women living in collective centers, as it helps restore inner resilience and a sense of dignity.” Ms. Averina emphasizes that regular work with residents contributes to their adaptation to new living conditions.
Today, the heroine lives with her son. Although her home in Dvorichna has been completely destroyed and returning is currently impossible, she is gradually rebuilding her inner balance and sense of purpose.
The project has already helped improve the quality of life of residents in collective centers and continues to strengthen their resilience, social cohesion, and psychological well-being. Its goal is to ensure that women affected by war have not only shelter, but also the support needed for a dignified life and future.

The project “Strengthening the Resilience of Residents of Collective Centers in Kharkiv Region” is implemented by UN Women Ukraine in partnership with Unity Platform NGO. The project is financially supported by the governments of Sweden and Latvia, as well as the national committees of UN Women.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the governments of Sweden and Latvia. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the United Nations.

This publication was prepared with the financial support of the governments of Sweden and Latvia. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the United Nations.