In 2015, Kovalenkov started his construction building company, Hempire UA, which has now felt the economic hardship after millions of citizens have left the country with their savings. In an effort to care for the displaced refugees, with the use of an old dairy building and new construction, he is able to develop a 30-unit apartment complex. The development will take place in a three phase project, estimated to cost $1,000,000 in phase one alone. Phase one would include the apartment complex, additional housing and the rehabilitation center.
With the first phase underway, the nonprofit has been able to collect $51,000 of the $362,000 for the apartment complex. Currently, in the wintertime, they are worried about the cold weather and the power outages due to the attacks. In the meantime, Kovalenkov is raising funds and stockpiling material, in the hope of speeding up the production process in the springtime. While working on construction, Kovalenkov will be teaching those who are helping him build the new complex how to build homes themselves, which will be a transferable skill once Ukraine starts to recover.
To help recovering veterans, Kovalenkov has invited veterans from other countries to his project. Doing so, the foreign veterans will be able to share their PTSD experiences and practices to help Ukrainian veterans, as well as help with the complex construction. He is also asking other countries to donate their medicinal help products for the citizens and soldiers as they face their long journey ahead.
To donate, please visit https://hempua.org/
Sources: https://hemptoday.net/as-war-destroys-homes-ukrainian-hemp-builder-keeps-on-building/
