The Dzherelo Social Services Centre in Lviv has completed the main stage of preparing its sites for the winter season. In 27 premises, the heating systems, generators and back-up power sources have been inspected, and a fuel reserve has been created to ensure operations can continue in the event of prolonged power or heat outages.
Particular attention was paid to facilities where people stay permanently or receive services on a daily basis: the Centre’s main building in Sykhiv, the Supported Living House on Pasichna Street, the shelter for survivors of violence, and the Night Shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
“We want to be ready for different scenarios this winter. For us, it is important not just to keep the premises running, but above all to look after the people who come to Dzherelo, live in the Supported Living House, spend the night at the Night Shelter or stay in the social shelter. They must receive the support they need regardless of the circumstances,” says Zoreslava Liulchak.
Before the cold season, Centre staff carried out a technical inspection of all generators, performed test runs and identified the sites where additional charging stations and battery packs are needed. With the support of partners, they have built up a fuel reserve for the autonomous operation of the equipment.
Some of Dzherelo’s locations are equipped with heat pumps, electric and gas boilers. This year, one of the heat pumps was repaired, and at the premises for people experiencing homelessness on Kyrylivska Street, work is being completed to connect a solid-fuel boiler. It will make it possible to heat the building with firewood in the event of gas supply disruptions and will also provide hot water.
The Centre emphasises that back-up power is needed not only to keep the institution itself running. Where necessary, at certain locations, families raising children with disabilities and older people will be able to heat food, charge their phones and use essential electrical appliances. Thanks to the generators, the office premises will have access to light and the internet, enabling the team to work without interruption.
Beyond technical solutions, Dzherelo is preparing to support community residents outside its own walls. Specialists are maintaining up-to-date lists of older people living alone who may need additional assistance during possible prolonged outages. If the situation worsens, staff will know whom to contact urgently, for whom to arrange accompaniment or temporary relocation to a safer place.
The Centre is also in regular contact with families raising children with disabilities. This makes it possible to quickly identify their needs and organise the necessary support, drawing on experience from the COVID-19 pandemic and the first months of the full-scale invasion. In addition, staff are building up a clothing bank that can be used in cases of urgent need.
Some of the equipment has been purchased by Dzherelo using extra-budgetary funds and international support. The procurement of generators for the Centre was supported by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation together with the Dzherelo Friends initiative group, UNICEF and the organisation Alongside Hope. Donor funds were also used to purchase the solid-fuel boiler for the site on Kyrylivska Street.
Certain Centre premises are equipped with solar panels installed with the support of the European Union. These partly cover the electricity needs of the sites and help, in particular, with water heating.
Preparation for winter also includes staff training: employees undergo briefings and follow internal action protocols for emergencies. The Centre stresses that in this way it is trying to minimise risks for vulnerable community residents and ensure the continuity of social services even under difficult conditions.