Before the full-scale war, many of us did not even know the names of our neighbors who had been living behind the wall for many years. Today, however, these people are our main allies, on whose support we should count at the first place. We also need to show them our concern and understanding. In this article, we will discuss how to organize a strong volunteer community in your home.

Step 1: Get to know each other

If you still don't have a neighbor chat in any of the messengers, it's worth fixing it quickly! Walk around the house and write down the phone numbers of its residents. The ability to quickly notify everyone of danger or ask for something urgently needed at any moment will not hurt in wartime.

Step 2: Identify the range of needs

Find out if any of your neighbors need support. Maybe a couple with small children recently moved into the fifth floor, and you have some toys that no one else plays with. Or maybe you know retirees who have trouble getting around. Offer these people to pay their utility bills online, buy bread or bring drinking water. Make a list of all the apartments that may even theoretically need help. Form a schedule of responsible volunteers who can visit them and collectively approve them.

Step 3: Take care of security

Arrange for checks of the entrance and roof for flyers, markings, or other suspicious items. If it is possible to install video surveillance cameras at a joint expense, do it.

Step 4: Prepare a shelter

Every Ukrainian knows the rule of "two walls" and the need to go down to the shelter during an air raid if possible. In some cities, people have to spend days and weeks in basements. Therefore, it is very important to have everything you need in a shelter: blankets, mattresses, food, water, medicine, and flashlights. Prepare everything you need together with your neighbors.

Remember that your house today is literally your fortress. It is much better when all neighbors are united and ready to help each other.