Please help support the financial needs of a Ukrainian family that fled the war in their homeland and is now living here in our community.

Please help support the financial needs of a Ukrainian family that fled the war in their homeland and is now living here in our community.

A little background on the family. In Ukraine, Olga (an obstetrician) and Vasyl (a building contractor) opened a crisis pregnancy center out of their home. Vasyl built a wing onto their home to house women in need of shelter, and Olga provided medical care and counseling for these and other women. In addition, they cared for foster children for several years.

With the start of the war, Olga and the two younger children (11 and 7) came over to the United States in March. Their eldest daughter, Natalia, was already living here in the U.S. and has a green card. Vasyl stayed behind to serve in the war. Some bloodwork during his processing as a soldier revealed that he has leukemia, so he was discharged and joined Olga and their children in the United States several months ago. He is getting medical care and has a good prognosis.

The family hopes to return to Ukraine once the war is over but is looking for some stability for their children and Vasyl as he recovers from the leukemia. They have lived in four different homes in the last nine months, largely supported by faith-based organizations, although they are doing all they can to try to support themselves. The two elementary-aged children are enrolled at Twin Lakes School in Aptos. They have had temporary housing off Highway 17, but the recent rains and mudslides have made it challenging to get to work and Vasyl’s medical appointments. They are in the process of relocating to a mobile home for a short-term stay, but they must find long-term housing by the end of January.

Housing costs in the County have made it incredibly difficult to locate a home they can afford. This is where you can help. Through your kindness and generosity, we have an opportunity to help alleviate the financial burden for this family while they are experiencing the most difficult time of their lives. Please consider a contribution to help support the Ziniak family.

In addition, if you are aware of any housing opportunities for a 2+ bedroom living situation at a below-market cost in Santa Cruz County, please let us know.