Gifts of Light: Upgrading Shelter Infrastructure in Chernivtsi

Pillar: Relief & Community | Program: Gifts of Light | Location: Kel'menetsk, Chernivtsi

Across Ukraine, schools and gymnasiums have been repurposed into long-term housing for the displaced. In the Kel'menetsk community of Chernivtsi Oblast, one such facility is currently home to 75 displaced Ukrainians.

While the building provides a roof, it was not designed to feed dozens of families daily. The lack of commercial kitchen infrastructure creates a constant logistical strain on the volunteers managing the site.

Under our "Gifts of Light" program—an initiative designed to provide high-impact hardware to communal shelters—we identified this facility as a priority. In partnership with the Krohn Breakthrough Foundation and Allied Extract, we delivered and installed:

• A High-Capacity Chest Freezer: This is a game-changer for food security. It allows the shelter to accept large bulk donations of perishable food (meat, frozen vegetables) and store them safely, rather than rejecting aid due to lack of space. It enables staff to "plan ahead" rather than shopping daily.

• A Heavy-Duty Microwave: For 75 people living on different schedules, the ability to rapidly reheat meals improves the quality of daily life and reduces the burden on the cooking staff.

Often, the biggest improvements in quality of life come from basic, durable appliances. Whether it’s a generator, a washing machine, or a freezer, these items transform a temporary shelter into a functional living space. By equipping this center, we helped 75 people regain a semblance of domestic normalcy.