A New, Warmer Beginning: Supporting Residents of the Krzeszowice Shelter

The war in Ukraine has forced millions of families to leave everything behind, their homes reduced to memories and their futures uncertain. In Krzeszowice, Poland, more than 20 refugees have found not just shelter but also the support needed to rebuild their lives.  

IOM Poland, in collaboration with shelter management, has been conducting renovations where they are needed most. In towns like Krzeszowice, located in Malopolskie Voivodeship, these efforts are transforming collective shelters into places of hope and new beginnings. The renovations were extensive: old windows and doors were replaced, insulation was upgraded, and the rooms and shared areas were restored to provide a safe and comfortable space for those who had been through unimaginable hardship. 

For Nina Rodionova, whose journey to Poland was filled with difficulties, the improvements at the shelter have been nothing short of life changing. "When we arrived, the dormitory was in terrible condition – cold, with leaking ceilings and mouldy walls. Now, it’s warm, comfortable, and feels like home," Nina says. She sits in a room that is now bright and orderly—a stark contrast to the space she first stepped into. 

Nina’s family arrived in Krzeszowice in March 2022, having fled the war-torn city of Zhytomyr, in Ukraine. “My apartment was destroyed by a rocket,” Nina shares the painful memory. “We had no destination, no one waiting for us. We just made it to the post office, where volunteers met us and brought us to Krzeszowice.”  Nina, along with her daughter and two grandchildren, crossed the border into Poland, seeking safety and a fresh start. “We had no choice but to settle into whatever we found,” she says. The shelter needed repairs, with no heating and unfinished flooring. The ceiling had noticeable leaks, making the space feel damp and chilly. 

The solidarity shown by the Polish people toward Ukrainians fleeing the war has been remarkable. Since 2022, nearly 2 million Ukrainian refugees have sought safety in Poland. Many Polish families opened their homes to welcome refugees, offering them a safe place to stay. Others dedicated their savings to rent or renovate old buildings, transforming them into shelters where Ukrainians could find a roof over their heads, even if some of the buildings were not in ideal conditions. As of March 2025, nearly one million Ukrainian refugees are actively registered in Poland, 30,000 of the most vulnerable living in collective shelters.  

Despite the difficulties they initially faced, Nina and her family received support that exceeded their expectations. The manager of the shelter, Stanisław Molik, along with local organizations, ensured they were provided with food and essential items. “The manager is always there to help, whether it’s with repairs or anything else we need,” Nina says, her voice filled with gratitude. “They do everything they can to make our lives easier (…). These are people with such kind and generous souls.”  

As the months passed, the shelter transformed and last year thanks to funding from the Republic of Korea, IOM Poland was able to conduct some comprehensive renovations.

Since the war began, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided USD 2.5 million to support refugees and migrants in Poland. This funding has helped improve shelters and integration efforts, giving displaced people a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. 

The transformation of the Krzeszowice shelter symbolizes more than just new doors and windows. It represents a lifeline for families like Nina’s. It is a chance for them to heal, to find comfort, and to rebuild what was lost. And for Nina, it is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are people willing to help. She concludes “We feel lucky to have ended up in such a good place.” 

This story was prepared by Katarzyna Chojnacka, National Communications Officer and Alexey Shivrin, Senior Communications Associate at IOM Poland.