The Home of Supported Living on Pasichna Street has welcomed its first residents – four young people with disabilities are currently living here under the respite care (temporary rest) service.
The facility was recently visited by guests, including Mayor Andriy Sadovyi and the Honorary Consul of Canada in Ukraine, Oksana Wynnyckyj.
“A total of 20 people can live here. This is the first municipal center of its kind in Ukraine. I would very much like every community to build such a system. Why? Because there are many people who need help,” noted Andriy Sadovyi.
According to the director of Dzherelo Centre, Zoreslava Liulchak, this new service has significant potential to support both individuals with disabilities and their families.
“Approximately 300 people per year will be able to use the respite care service in our home. It features living rooms designed as personal spaces for each individual, facilities for cooking and managing daily life, and a terrace for rest and relaxation. We strive to ensure that residents don’t just stay here, but also utilize other services that aid in their socialization and development. During the work week, our staff accompanies them to day care services, and they spend the weekends together,” the Director of Dzherelo Centre explained.
A Home Where Respect and Support Prevail
The Home of Supported Living is more than just a place to stay; it creates a space for dignity, support, and growth. It was established for people with disabilities who want to live independently, make their own decisions, and be active participants in the community while receiving the necessary accompaniment.
As the first municipal institution of its kind in Ukraine, it is owned by the Lviv community and funded by the city budget. The facility can accommodate up to 20 residents at a time.
The living format is designed to be as close to a home environment as possible: residents have their own space, are involved in daily activities, and receive support only where it is truly needed.
Who Can Access These Services?
The Home of Supported Living assists:
- People with disabilities aged 18 to 50 who require accompaniment (respite care service).
- People with disabilities who have lost or are at high risk of losing their parents or guardians (supported living service).
Respite Care (Temporary Rest)
The respite care service allows a person with a disability to live in the home for a set period, receiving necessary support, attending day programs, and participating in daily activities and outings.
During this time, their relatives can rest, recharge, or attend to important matters. This service is available for up to 30 days per year (either all at once or divided into two periods).
It is an opportunity for young people to gain their first experience of independent living, expand their social circles, and develop social skills.
Supported Living
The supported living service will be launched soon. It is intended for individuals with disabilities aged 18 to 50 (at the time of application) who have lost their parents/guardians or face a high risk of losing them.
The essence of this service is the combination of independence and necessary support. Residents participate in planning their day, have personal space, maintain daytime employment or activities, and remain engaged in community life.
Specialists accompany them in daily tasks, helping only when necessary.
Stories of the First Residents
The first residents include four young people, each with their own story and needs, who have been staying for two weeks under the respite care program:
Olena (25): Olena is being raised by her 86-year-old grandfather, for whom providing care has become physically difficult. For her, this service is a chance to avoid institutionalization and gradually transition to supported living in our Home.
Nastia (21): Nastia leads an active life, attending day programs and clubs. For her family, this is a chance to rest after years of caregiving; for Nastia, it is her first experience living away from home and a step toward independence.
Mykola (39): A wheelchair user who leads an active social life and loves music and concerts. His mother is physically exhausted, so this service allows her to rest while Mykola fulfills his wish to live independently – something that already brings him visible joy.
Viktor (30): Independent and active, Viktor lives with his mother. He sought more independence, and his stay here provides his mother with a necessary break. Viktor often takes the initiative in household tasks and supports other residents, such as helping Mykola.
An additional value of this service is that it allows families to care for their own health, undergo medical treatment, or have planned surgeries that are often postponed for years due to the lack of alternative care options.
How to Access the Services
For a detailed consultation, please contact the Dzherelo Centre contact center:
📞 097 400 22 88
The Home of Supported Living is an example of how a community can create a space where everyone has the right to a home, support, and a dignified life.
This space was created with the support of: Lviv City Council, Lviv Regional Council, Canada-Ukraine Foundation, Lviv Public Budget, the Zaczkiewicz family Fund, Mental Health for Ukraine (MH4U), the Swiss Confederation, Caritas Germany, and the VPLYV Foundation.
Photo – Roman Baluk.
