“Conversations about Restoration” with Ihor Chornyi, head of the NGO “Strong Because Free”, about volunteering in Kherson: challenges and hopes

 

Volunteering in Kherson has become not only a demonstration of charity but also a necessary response to the challenges of war. People from the various strata of society unite to support each other in these difficult times. Volunteers face new difficulties daily, risk their own lives, and work without days off under shelling, but their determination and dedication to the cause remain unwavering.

Volunteering in Kherson is not just about helping; it is an attempt to restore hope and faith in the future. Everyone joining this cause becomes part of a large team that strives to improve people’s lives, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, today, in the new issue of “Conversations about Restoration,” we talk about volunteering in Kherson with the head of the NGO “Strong Because Free”, Ihor Chornyi.

The NGO “Strong Because Free” began its activities with the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Then, caring Kherson residents united and began to help other city residents. Today, “Strong Because Free” is the evacuation of civilians from extremely dangerous zones - Antonivka, Kindiyka, Stanislav, Oleksandrivka, Dariivka, etc., a social taxi for people with limited mobility, work with children in a safe children's space, and the elimination of the consequences of shelling. Despite the risks to their lives, the organization's team actively cooperates with local residents to understand their needs and provide the necessary assistance.

The NGO “Strong Because Free” was one of the first to launch a social taxi in Kherson for people with limited mobility. “In Kherson, many people who cannot move independently need help getting to medical facilities or other important places. Our volunteers provide transportation for those who cannot use regular transport. This makes people’s lives easier and allows them to receive the necessary medical care and social services,” says Ihor Chornyi. Unfortunately, there is still so-called “information starvation.” Many people do not know where to turn for help or do not receive up-to-date information about available resources. This creates barriers for those who need help and complicates the work of volunteers.

Evacuating people with limited mobility is one of the most challenging tasks. Often, such people require a unique approach and equipment for safe transportation. The NGO “Strong Because Free” provides specialized cars with lifts, allowing evacuation without unnecessary complications.

According to Ihor, one of the main problems for both city residents and volunteers is still bureaucracy. There are often difficulties in obtaining permits for evacuations, providing humanitarian aid, obtaining the necessary transport for the organization's work, the need for reporting, etc. This process can be delayed, complicating the promptness of responding to people's needs. According to Ihor Chornyi, this is where local authorities and their interaction with public organizations, charitable foundations, and volunteers should play a key role: “Yes, the Kherson city administration has begun to interact better with the volunteer sector. Honestly, the situation was worse before. But we need to get rid of this bureaucracy. This is especially critical in war conditions when every minute matters. I would like the authorities to help more and go to meet volunteers.”

International cooperation plays a vital role in the activities and existence of public organizations, including the NGO “Strong Because Free.” Thanks to this cooperation, the organization receives resources that help implement various support programs. These include humanitarian aid, medical services, support for children, and resettlement of evacuees from Kherson and the region. International partners also help the organization with funding, allowing it to expand its services. This is important for supporting people in Kherson who are suffering from the war's consequences.

One of the NGO's areas of activity is humanitarian aid; we asked Ihor Chornyi how relevant he thinks the issue of humanitarian assistance is for Kherson and the region: "I believe that most residents have become hooked on this "humanitarian needle" and to some extent, we are guilty of this. People are already used to the fact that they can call, and we will bring them everything they need. There were cases when we arrived for evacuation, and it was impossible to get through the boxes with humanitarian aid into the apartment; it simply spoils there. People take even what they don't need. I'm not an expert, but in Kherson and the region, about 12-15% need humanitarian aid; these are families with children, pensioners, and people with limited mobility. People don't want to work, they abuse alcohol, although the city really needs their help and hands. Especially now, when there is a shortage of personnel in all areas due to the security situation, mobilization, etc. If you don't need humanitarian aid, send it to those in need - the guys on the front lines, friends, and animal shelters.”

But, despite the difficult security situation and the fact that the occupation troops are 5 km from the city, the NGO "Strong Because Free" also actively works with children and youth. They understand that in war conditions, children need special attention and support. Creating children's centers has become essential in organizing a safe space for children. The centers offer a variety of programs, including educational classes and creative workshops, but also distract them and sports sections. This helps children not only develop but also distract from the complicated reality that surrounds them. Parents can receive the necessary support and information about the organization's activities and pass it on to those who need help.

Today, Ihor Chornyi and his team are thinking about how Kherson will live in the future and how to encourage people to return: “Returning people to Kherson is a difficult task. Many left the city for security reasons and are afraid to return. Even if the situation improves, creating conditions that encourage people to return will be necessary. Here, the state must show that it cares about people and needs them - providing housing, medical services, jobs, social insurance, etc. It is important for people to feel that their well-being and safety are a priority. Unfortunately, the situation now is such that they simply do not care about our residents. This applies to both those who now live and work in the city, risking their lives and those who, having lost everything, had to leave their homes and become IDPs.”

During these three years of full-scale invasion, a powerful and active public community has formed in Kherson and the region, and many young NGOs and volunteer organizations have appeared. They are all trying to interact with each other, but still, according to Ihor Chornyi, there is no coordination. It should be built with the help of local authorities. The logistics issue in humanitarian aid has not yet been resolved; there are no people who would coordinate the work of NGOs, and there is still some chaos: “We must unite our efforts because we are all working for the same goal. Yes, everyone is engaged in their own direction, but this must be coordinated. We must forget about competitiveness and gossip. We are all doing one thing. We must all be one mechanism.”

Despite all the difficulties faced by frontline communities, Kherson is alive. Coffee shops and shops are working, streets are being cleaned, and communications are being repaired. It is essential to continue working on the restoration and support of local residents. With the help of volunteers and international partners, we can create a better future for Kherson. Our common goal is to give people hope and the opportunity to live peacefully. Each of us can join this process because we can overcome any difficulties together.