The shelters in Kharkiv region of Ukraine are filled with people who have fled occupied territories or areas heavily affected by continuous shelling from the Russian-Ukraine war. They have left behind their homes, community, and life as they knew it. Within the relative sanctuary of the shelter, they receive assistance with essential needs, and find respite and space to contemplate their next steps.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is partnering with the local volunteer organisation, Way of Ukraine, who run a transit shelter in Zernove in Kharkiv region. The shelter receives people coming from Krasnopillya humanitarian corridor, where an average of 100 people per day cross the border between Russia and Ukraine, coming mainly from occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk.

Approximately 20 per cent of people crossing the border, travel initially to Kharkiv city, where they are hosted in Zernove transit shelter for an average of 1-2 days, before continuing their journey to other locations in the east part of Ukraine.

After providing essential psychosocial support directly in the shelter during the first few months of its opening, MSF has started to assist Way of Ukraine to implement those activities themselves. Through the financial support of MSF, the organisation has hired a psychologist, social worker and a nurse to assist people in the shelter. MSF psychologists conducted training and provided follow up of patients with the psychologist. In total, 276 people in the shelter have received mental health support – 75 through individual consultations and the remainder through 50 group sessions that have been held.

Additionally, MSF is covering the costs of the rent of the shelter and the fuel used to implement evacuations. We have also donated washing machines and dryers, heaters, beds and other furniture, blankets, small appliances, clothing, as well as medical supplies for healthcare consultations that are being provided by the nurse.