Amid the chaos, Iryna and her mother joined the other women and children seeking safety. Remarkably, Sava, just a nursing baby, was among them. On March 9, 2022, they arrived to Poland. With no familiar faces or friends to help them, these strong women showed an extraordinary spirit that carried them through this tough time.

Tetiana, Iryna’s mother, remembers her daughter’s incredible drive, especially during the darkest hours. It was Iryna’s determination that kept them going, her focus on protecting her mother and son, and on building a place they could call home.

“I never really thought about what a ‘home’ means before—it was just where you returned each day. But now, after everything, and after coming to Poland, I’ve come to realize that home is where safety resides, where your soul finds peace. Home is like a stronghold, where you’re surrounded by love and smiles await you—a place of safety. Every mother wants that secure place for her children.”

Today, Iryna and her family can say they’ve found their home in Poland. The kindness and support of the Polish people helped them find comfort and move past the hardships and terrors of war.

“Today, we can fall asleep and rest peacefully until morning,” Iryna says. “We’re surrounded by care and empathy. Many kind people have helped us move past our difficult experiences. We want to thank the Polish people for their kindness and support. With the help of Habitat for Humanity Poland, we’re rebuilding our life. The incredible hospitality we’ve experienced makes us want to extend a helping hand to others who are struggling, to help them find happiness in Poland like we did. Just as Warsaw and the whole country helped us, we want to give back the warmth and support we’ve received!”

In a world of uncertainty, Iryna’s story shows the unbreakable spirit of families seeking safety and unity. Through her courage and the warmth of the Polish people, Iryna has paved a path for her family, proving that even in tough times, hope and resilience can light the way.

ICF Technology

The build that was organised in collaboration with HFH Kenya under Habitat’s Vulnerable Group Housing Program involved the use of Onsite ICF technology. This technology by our start-up partners OnsiteICF, produces blocks are a replica of play castle blocks, but are bigger in size and lighter in weight.

The technology is  convenient, easy to use and very cost effective reducing the overall cost of construction.  The result is a permanent house with added benefits like sound and thermal Insulation, pest resistant, reduced water absorption and fire retardant. The technology is also eco-friendly as it  involves use of polyurethane materials that prevent land excavations which is a prerequisite of other methods.

The technology , which has also been replicated in other HFH Kenya projects in Laikipia is one of the many technologies that HFHI uses to make access to affordable housing a reality.

The HRLOD team together with masons from the On-site ICF, were all immersed into activity that will revive the hope of Mary’s family. From carrying building blocks, to arranging them to make walls , to mixing ballast and fixing steel rodes.

Jackie Athieno the Director Human Resource Business Partner emphasized on the importance of having the team , which in most cases work within the confines of the office participate hands on in the build.

“It is a great way to connect with HFHI’s value of humility, there is something bigger but in all of us, in our own small ways we can change the world one person at time.”

At Habitat for Humanity, we are guided by the values of humility, courage and accountability; “It is such a wonderful experience for me seeing how a one-day effort would change the life of Mary’s family”.