The Pilipanko family stands as a touching example of the transformative impact of our long-term housing initiatives at the Velyki Lazy IDP Community. Their narrative vividly depicts the collaborative efforts of the Transform Uzhhorod Alliance (TUA) in aiding internally displaced families (IDPs). It is with great enthusiasm that we share with you, our esteemed partners, the tangible outcomes of your unwavering support, both in prayer and financial contributions. Allow us to acquaint you with the Pilipanko family and their journey towards a brighter future.
The Russian military commenced an incursion into Ukrainian territory on February 24, 2022, advancing from the Crimean region. Their forces seized control of the Kherson Oblast, proceeding into the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Their advance halted at Vasylivka, approximately thirty miles from the major urban center of Zaporizhzhia City. On September 30, 2022, Russia declared the annexation of the entirety of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, despite holding only half of the region. The ensuing conflict has since continually affected the residents, including the Pilipanko family of Zaporizhzhia City, Ukraine’s sixth-largest city with over 800,000 inhabitants. Shortly thereafter, a bombardment on a Zaporizhzhia City apartment complex resulted in the deaths of twelve civilians, with ongoing shelling persisting in the area.
The Pilipanko family, actively involved in their church’s youth and children’s ministries, faced increasing strain due to the invasion’s pressures, culminating in Katerina Pilipanko’s transition to single parenthood with her two children, Ksenia, aged 15, and Oleksandr, aged 11. The conflict’s escalation led to the shutdown of local schools, pushing the education system to pivot to less effective online learning modalities. Katerina’s situation was further complicated by the need to provide for her family without the support of her spouse, all while the ongoing war severely affected her health.
In September 2023, Katerina and her children visited a friend in Uzhhorod, Ukraine’s most distant city from the conflict. There, she encountered Pete, a British missionary with the TUA. Her involvement with Pete’s ministry, especially aiding families with special needs children and leading a women’s support group, culminated in a retreat, providing Katerina with a profound sense of peace she hadn’t realized she’d lost.
Katerina’s respite in Uzhhorod was disrupted when she returned to her home in Zaporizhzhia, which was suffering under relentless attacks. Concerned for the well-being of her children, who were spending an inordinate amount of time in bomb shelters, she decided to move her family back to Uzhhorod despite the uncertainty of housing and employment.
Upon her return to Uzhhorod, Katerina sought stable housing for her family. Limited to communal shelters, she reached out to Pete, who introduced her to Igor of the TUA. Although Igor’s shelters were full, he connected her with the Adventist Church’s shelter, also a TUA affiliate, which provided the Pilipanko family with a private room and the dignity of real beds, in a facility with shared amenities, thanks to TUA’s investment.
Katerina secured a remote position with a pharmaceutical company, which allowed her the flexibility to work from home and attend to her children’s needs. Despite having a private space in the shelter, the impermanence of their situation weighed on them. The Transform Uzhhorod Alliance has continued its support for the Pilipanko family, who have now moved into the newly established Velyki Lazy IDP Community, where they will have a stable, rent-free home complete with private living spaces.
The Pilipanko Residence