We are writing with grateful hearts to share how God is moving through the Velykyi Lazy IDP Community—and how your prayers and generosity are making it possible.
Transform Ukraine and One Collective’s shared passion says it clearly: “No one is invisible, and everyone has access to food, freedom, and forgiveness.” What’s happening right now at Velykyi Lazy is that passion coming to life.
When Crisis Created an Opportunity
When Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, a wave of displaced families flooded into Uzhhorod—tripling the city’s population. The Transform Uzhhorod Alliance responded immediately, opening eleven shelters. As months became years, many families chose to stay rather than flee to Europe. Temporary shelter was no longer enough. These families needed homes.
By God’s grace, we already had a social enterprise building tiny homes. The tools were in our hands—and the Lord opened the doors.
Food, Freedom & Forgiveness in Action
FOOD (Meeting Physical Needs) — Through partnerships with UMCOR and Perimeter Church (Atlanta), six homes have been built. Four displaced families are already living in them. The remaining two are just $6,000 from completion.
FREEDOM (Providing Social Needs) — UMCOR provided funds to employ eleven local builders to construct the facilities. This project doesn’t just house people—it provides dignified work.
FORGIVENESS (Sharing the Love of Jesus) — Every nail driven and every meal shared is a tangible demonstration of the love of Christ. This is not simply a housing project—it is the Gospel with walls and a roof.
What God Is Building
The vision has grown beyond what we imagined. What began as five additional homes, with the partnership of UMCOR, is becoming ten apartments—doubling the number of families served. And the long-term plan is even bigger: when these families no longer need transitional housing, the facilities will be converted into a trauma rehabilitation center for war victims. A meeting hall (funded by many of your individual gifts) is also in progress, including a wheelchair-accessible lift to the second floor.
Only God could turn a crisis into a community—and He is using your faithfulness to do it.
Will You Help Us Finish?
We are just $6,000 away from completing the first two remaining homes and welcoming two more displaced families into safe, permanent housing.
Would you pray with us for these resources? And if the Lord moves your heart, you can give by clicking the Ukraine Crisis button below.
To God be the glory for what He is doing through your partnership.
Transform Ukraine • One Collective