Since June 2026, EAST SOS Has Provided 65 Assistive Rehabilitation Devices to Evacuees in Transit Centers 

Evacuation forces people to leave behind not only their familiar lives but sometimes also the essential items that enable them to move independently. 

At transit centers, the EAST SOS Charity Foundation helps people take their first steps after evacuation by offering temporary shelter at collective sites, providing legal, social and psychological support. For those who need it, our team also provides assistive rehabilitation devices, including walking sticks, crutches and wheelchairs. 

Among those who received support from EAST SOS was 96-year-old Mykola from Kupiansk. After being evacuated, he now lives in a collective center in Kharkiv. 

When Mykola arrived at the Kharkiv transit center, the EAST SOS team provided him with a walking stick to help him move independently. 

“During one of our meetings at the collective site, Mykola immediately recognized the EAST SOS team. He smiled and showed us the walking stick he had received after evacuation,” said Anastasiia Sushko, a psychologist at EAST SOS. 

Today, Mykola independently takes care of himself and keeps his room in order. He speaks with warmth about his granddaughter, who regularly visits him and helps with everyday matters. He also sincerely thanks everyone who supported him after his evacuation from the frontline area. 

Another person supported by the team was Halyna, who evacuated from Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast together with her son and their dog. The EAST SOS evacuation team helped the family leave the dangerous area. During the evacuation, Halyna lost the walking stick her son had personally made for her from an old mop handle. At the transit center in Lozova, the EAST SOS specialists provided her with a new walking stick and adjusted it to ensure it was comfortable and suitable for her needs.

“After evacuation, people often find themselves in completely different circumstances and lose the things that previously helped them feel secure. For someone who relies on an assistive device every day, losing it can make everyday life much more difficult and increase anxiety. When a person can once again move independently, reach a doctor or complete familiar daily tasks, they gradually regain confidence and a sense of independence,” explained Anastasiia Sushko.

Since June 2026, the East SOS team has provided 65 assistive rehabilitation devices as part of the project MESH: “Multisectoral Emergency Support for High-Severity Hromadas”, coordinated by the Charitable Foundation Right to Protection and supported by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF).

Psychological support was provided under the project “Accessible Accommodation and Tailored Support Services for Vulnerable Displaced Persons in Kharkiv Oblast”, implemented with financial support from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF).

The evacuation of civilians is carried out under the the project “Protection-Focused Multisectoral Humanitarian Response in Eastern Ukraine”, supported by ActionAid and funded by the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). 

Recently, we shared the story of Serhii, who was evacuated from the city of Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast.